The Philippines has reached more than a year into the implementation of quarantine measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the said period, the country recorded more than 1,000,000 cases, a GDP drop to -4.2% for the first quarter of 2021, an unemployment rate of 7.1% in March 2021, among other health and economic indicators. Meanwhile, this year has also marked the start of the administration of the COVID-19 vaccines as part of the government's mass inoculation program.

Indeed, the COVID-19 global health crisis has magnified the integral role that Universal Health Care plays in ensuring the continuity of day-to-day activities, as well as the country's economic recovery and stability. In achieving this, it is essential that a multi-stakeholder approach is put in place and actively implemented.

It is in this context that the ECCP is organizing a virtual forum entitled "The Economic Benefits of Universal Health Care in the Context of COVID-19", via Zoom. With speakers from the Philippine government as well as economic and health experts, this event will highlight how a strengthened healthcare system will not only protect the lives of the Filipinos but also help safeguard the country's economy.