Revisit the project designs of infrastructure projects (school buildings, evacuation centers, hospitals) to respond to requirements of the New Normal. There is a need to provide funding for the construction and enhancement of road and transport projects to ensure unhampered movement of agriculture and fishery goods and services and access for people. Moving forward, the New Normal will prompt the redesign of public construction projects like school buildings, public markets, office buildings, and socialized housing projects. Continuously monitor sufficiency of power and water supply to ensure uninterrupted supply in the region. There should be an accounting of all areas that have no or problematic power and water connections and ensure that supply is delivered. Expedite the installation of free water connections to unconnected households and repair works upon resumption. Also, ease the payment of energy and water bills on household budgets to allow time for recovery after the quarantine period. Ensure sustainability of water supply for domestic, agricultural and commercial and health purposes. Identify potential water source, explore possible water recycling of wastewater development and implementation of water conservation management plan. There should be a constant monitoring of water sources and reservoirs. Funds should be provided for the construction of small water impounding structures that will serve the communities and National Greening Program plantations. Comprehensive water assessment of major river basins especially Ilog-Hilabangan, Bago River should be conducted. Since groundwater is the main source for domestic and commercial use, a groundwater management plan should be prepared. Moreover, monitoring wells should be established in water stressed cities/municipalities. Lastly, intensity IEC on water conservation and management so people will be reminded of its importance and scarcity. In addition, the development and implementation of the National Roadmap for Water Security should be supported. The ongoing preparation of the roadmap should be able to incorporate the possible impacts of future epidemic/pandemic and climate change/variability to address the impending water crisis. Policy and Legislative Reforms 1. The provision of social protection and benefits to drivers and conductors in times of pandemic. 2. Review policies and procedures pertaining to border control to ease restrictions for transport of construction materials and aggregates, energy and water-related materials and equipment. 3. Institutionalize parameters to be met and complied with in order to allow airplanes and seacrafts to dock or land in the region.
Western Visayas COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan Thematic Strategies to Mitigate Losses 119
