USAID showcases best practices of urban cities during COVID-19 pandemic

Mr. Lawrence Hardy II, Mission Director of USAID/Philippines, delivered a message during the session.

Since the emergence of the novel coronavirus early this year, urban centers have suffered the most from the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cities are at the frontlines of this massive crisis. But this crisis also offers a unique opportunity for local chief executives, mayors, and urban planners to rethink how cities can function better.

In the Philippines, local government units are at the forefront of implementing national guidelines according to the context of their cities to mitigate the risks of the pandemic. Some cities have demonstrated strong leadership and resilient governance to tackle the different issues arising from the pandemic.

To foster peer learning among urban cities, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with PUBLiCUS Asia, Inc. and the Association of Political Consultants in Asia, hosted a series of “Rising to the COVID-19 Leadership Challenge” virtual learning sessions.

The sessions served as a venue for mayors from selected Philippines cities, Cities Development Initiative (CDI) partner cities, and local and international experts to share and learn from peers’ experiences in responding to similar challenges in contact tracing, mitigation strategies, industry revitalization, and expanded testing.

More than 100 stakeholders participated in each of the four virtual sessions in June and gained insights on how cities in the Philippines, United States, Vietnam, Singapore, and Canada are succeeding in the fight against COVID-19.

Challenge 1: Strengthening contact tracing to contain rising number of cases

The first of the four virtual learning sessions was held on June 16, 2020 with Mayor Noel Rosal of Legazpi City, Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco of Zamboanga City, and Mayor Benjamin Magalong of Baguio City. Dr. Benjamin Lozare of Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Long Vu of the Ministry of Health of Vietnam, and Dr. Eduardo Araral of the National University of Singapore also joined the session.

Some of the contact tracing practices that were discussed include swift response in tracing and testing, investigative approach involving law enforcers, investigators, and health authorities, manpower and equipment training, use of technology, and close coordination between the national and local governments.

Ms. Jenna Diallo, Deputy Director of the Office of Economic Development and Governance of USAID/Philippines, and Mr. Jose Leviste Jr., Interim President of the Association of Political Consultants in Asia, delivered messages during the session. Ms. Maria Lourdes “Malou” Tiquia, President of Universidad de Manila and founder of PUBLiCUS Asia, Inc. served as moderator. Watch the full video here.

Challenge 2: Area focused mitigation and response strategies

The second learning session was held on June 18, 2020 with Mayor Oscar Moreno of Cagayan de Oro City, Mayor Ronnel Rivera of General Santos City, Mayor Vico Sotto of Pasig City, Mayor Rex Gatchalian of Valenzuela City, and Mr. Gary Kent and Mr. Tim Beckett of Mississauga City, Ontario, Canada. The speakers shared response and mitigation strategies that proved to be effective in their cities. They cited the importance of having an efficient healthcare system, community-based monitoring, responsive risk communication, factual data and use of technology, and public-private partnerships for capacity building.

Ms. Jenna Diallo, Deputy Director of the Office of Economic Development and Governance of USAID/Philippines, delivered a message during the session. Ms. Maria Lourdes “Malou” Tiquia, President of Universidad de Manila and founder of PUBLiCUS Asia, Inc. served as moderator. Watch the full video here.

Challenge 3: Facing the impact of COVID-19 on major tourist spots in the country

The third learning session was held on June 23, 2020 with Mayor Noel Rosal of Legaspi City, Mayor John Geesnell Yap II of Tagbilaran City, Councilor Matthew Mendoza of Puerto Princesa City, Mr. Rob Joseph of the Office of Business and Tourism for Montrose Colorado, and Mr. Scott Mitnick of El Segundo, California. The speakers shared experiences in responding to common and unique challenges posed by COVID-19 to the tourism industry.

Tourism mitigation activities focused on re-calibrating response and recovery plans, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, aiding displaced workers, and improving and developing existing and potential tourist destinations.

Mr. Patrick Wesner, Deputy Mission Director of USAID/Philippines, delivered a message during the session. Ms. Maria Lourdes “Malou” Tiquia, President of Universidad de Manila and founder of PUBLiCUS Asia, Inc. served as moderator. Watch the full video here.

Challenge 4: Mobilizing resources for effective targeted and expanded testing and use of appropriate technologies

The last session was held on June 25, 2020 with Mayor Oscar Moreno of Cagayan de Oro City, Mayor Jerry Treñas of Iloilo City, Mayor Marcelino Teodoro of Marikina City, Department of Health Undersecretary Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire, Batangas City Health Officer Dr. Rosana Carmelita Barrion, Prof. Joaquin Gonzalez II of Golden Gate University, Dr. Ernesto Bontuyan Jr. of USAID/Philippines, and Dr. Huong Thi Gaing Tran of the World Health Organization Western Pacific Regional Office.

The speakers shared expanded testing strategies that proved to be effective in their cities. They cited the need for more testing facilities and equipment, faster release of testing results, an action plan for locally stranded individuals and returning overseas Filipinos, proper information dissemination, and compliance of citizens.

Mr. Lawrence Hardy II, Mission Director of USAID/Philippines, delivered a message during the session. Ms. Maria Lourdes “Malou” Tiquia, President of Universidad de Manila and founder of PUBLiCUS Asia, Inc. served as moderator. Watch the full video here.