Authored by Ateneo School of Government Dean Ronald Mendoza, Ph.D. and entitled, “COVID-19: Navigating Inclusive Recovery Towards the New Normal”, this Special Study charts a pathway along which to better appreciate the different phases of COVID-19 crisis response, spanning relief, recovery, and the possible “new normal”.

Hinged on the balancing act between economic and health policies, it builds on the crisis response literature and proffers that the Philippine healthcare sector could serve as a lynchpin of more inclusive and stable economic recovery.

At the end of the day, what we need are robust investments that will build stronger inclusiveness and coverage for the country’s health system, alongside a recalibration of the country’s absorptive capacities in times of crisis.

In all respects, this paper contributes to the furtherance of our Stratbase ADRi advocacy for an inclusive health strategy, and for public-private partnerships and multi-stakeholder engagement, which would contribute to building robust investments from both the private and public sectors.