"kaLACKalan" - ADDUvocacy Short Documentary for MIL

Summary

This documentary explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Philippines, particularly Mindanao's trading industry. The lockdowns and global trade restrictions led to shortages, higher prices, and changes in consumer behavior, especially concerning local food availability. Several individuals share their personal experiences, highlighting the challenges of accessing goods like vegetables and canned products. Business owners discuss the slowdown in supply and demand, while others emphasize the importance of supporting local businesses to help boost the economy. The video calls for community resilience and the promotion of local products to help overcome economic difficulties.

Takeaways

• 😀 The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions in the global and local trade industries, affecting supply chains and leading to shortages of essential goods.
• 😀 Restrictions imposed by governments to combat COVID-19 had a severe impact on international trade, particularly affecting the Philippines' import/export industry.
• 😀 In Mindanao, the pandemic led to accessibility issues for local food products, especially vegetables, meat, and other produce, with some becoming scarce.
• 😀 One notable product that became unavailable during the pandemic was Libby corned beef from Brazil, highlighting the challenges of accessing specific goods.
• 😀 COVID-19 also triggered a change in consumer behavior, with people thinking more about their food consumption to ensure that resources were shared fairly in the community.
• 😀 There was a sharp decline in external trade for the Philippines in 2020, with exports dropping by 18.27% compared to 2019, as global trade slowed down.
• 😀 Some businesses were severely impacted by the pandemic, but others, like those owned by local entrepreneurs, adapted by continuing operations and supporting local markets.
• 😀 Supporting local businesses became an important strategy to help the economy recover, with a focus on buying local products to ensure the survival of Philippine industries.
• 😀 The pandemic reinforced the need to prioritize local products and businesses to strengthen the economy and reduce reliance on imported goods.
• 😀 The youth, including students, played a role in promoting awareness about local businesses, encouraging others to support them to ensure economic resilience in the community.

Q & A

What major challenges did the Philippines face during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in terms of food accessibility?

The Philippines faced challenges such as the inaccessibility of food products, particularly vegetables, meat, and other local produce. This was due to disruptions in transportation and supply chains, as well as issues related to food security, which affected both the quantity and quality of food available to the general public.

How did the global supply chain disruptions affect the Philippines during the pandemic?

The global supply chain disruptions, largely caused by restrictions imposed by trading partners, resulted in a decline in exports and imports, causing a scarcity of goods. In particular, the Philippines saw a drop in external trading goods by 18.2% in 2020 compared to the previous year, exacerbating shortages of essential products.

How did panic buying during the pandemic affect the market?

Panic buying led to empty store shelves and severe shortages of goods, causing explosive price increases. This behavior also contributed to a sense of insecurity regarding the availability of essential products, affecting both local and international markets.

What specific product was no longer available during the pandemic, and how did this affect the consumers?

The product that was no longer available during the pandemic was Libby Corn Beef, which was made in Brazil. This shortage affected consumers' satisfaction as they could no longer access a product they regularly used, influencing their purchasing behavior and highlighting the impact of product availability on consumer habits.

How did the pandemic influence the behavior of consumers regarding food consumption?

The pandemic made consumers more conscious of their food consumption, leading them to think carefully about how much they needed to buy and consume. This was driven by a desire to ensure that there was enough food for everyone, while also fostering a sense of responsibility regarding the equitable distribution of goods.

What challenges did local businesses face during the pandemic?

Local businesses faced significant challenges such as limited mobility, restrictions on transportation, and reduced purchasing power among consumers. These factors slowed down both supply and demand, affecting the operation and survival of many small businesses.

Why is supporting local businesses important during a crisis like the pandemic?

Supporting local businesses is crucial during a crisis because it helps to sustain the local economy, encourages the growth of domestic industries, and reduces dependence on imported goods. Additionally, it fosters a sense of community and promotes the development of quality products and services within the country.

What role can students play in supporting local businesses during the pandemic?

Students can raise awareness about local businesses, encouraging others to support them. By spreading information about the benefits of purchasing local products, students can help promote a culture of supporting local entrepreneurs and stimulate the economy.

How did businesses adapt to the challenges brought on by the pandemic?

Some businesses, like the owner of BSC Marketing in Mindanao, adapted by finding new ways to operate during the pandemic, while others, like Metro Mindanao Steel Corporation, faced significant setbacks. These adaptations varied depending on the industry, with some businesses focusing on local markets to mitigate disruptions in international trade.

What is the importance of supporting local businesses in relation to national economic recovery?

Supporting local businesses is essential for national economic recovery, as it stimulates domestic production, helps maintain jobs, and strengthens the local economy. By investing in local products and services, citizens contribute to the overall stability and growth of their country’s economy.