The challenges for Metro Mayors today are triple or quadruple as compared to those in the past. It is extremely important that they become more innovative and creative in their approaches to a problem that the world did not anticipate while working through the challenging bureaucracy.

Life today is filled with so much struggle and discomfort. We must adapt instead of complain because the situation calls for a change in lifestyle and perspective. We have no choice if we want to survive and fight to live for another day.

If the government wishes to encourage online sellers to register and pay taxes, it must crack the whip on tax delinquents such as POGOs. It must demonstrate to the entire online economic community its fairness in the collection and administration of taxes.

A pandemic such as COVID-19 may be a total harm for all sectors and individuals. But it also presents opportunities for us to reshape and redesign the country's economic landscape to achieve the long-dreamt aspiration for equitable and inclusive growth

These times are difficult for all governments and citizens around the world. Our survival depends on our capability to adapt, discipline ourselves and follow established health standards and protocols.

The government today is faced with a serious dilemma on how to somehow normalize the situation given the absence of a vaccine for the virus.

Livelihood is more than ever of extreme importance to many Filipinos in this time of crisis. However, illegitimate forms of livelihood such as trolling must be condemned and punished. There is a virus in the social media space that continue to pollute the minds of its users.

Many government talking heads and experts claim that the relaxation of the community quarantine policy does not mean a return to normal ways. Instead, they have emphasized that we will have to cope and live with the "new normal."

Discipline does not guarantee a cure, but it does help in containing the spread of the virus. While everybody is anxiously awaiting a vaccine for the virus, it is important that the number of cases is managed to a rate that can be accommodated by the absorptive capacities of our hospitals and medical facilities.

COVID19 is both a social and economic reality that we must deal with, fight and win over by staying at home and listening to the government and experts.

The physical environment is taking its rest and undergoing major cleansing due to the reduced number of vehicles plying the streets and minimal operation of industrial and commercial businesses. We hope and pray that the social media environment also gets to have its own share of rest from the toxicity it has been saddled with during the last few weeks of the Enhanced Community Quarantine implementation.

The Bayanihan Heal as One Act requires a whole of government approach. It demands coordination and strategic action from the entire executive branch. This is not a time for government officials to dilly dally and whine over criticisms hurled at their indecision and lack of action. Government must maintain its focus in the fight against COVID-19.