State and Philippine Society in the Time of the Pandemic 95 On the other hand, the case studies presented in this report, though not enough to make definite conclusions, reveal that some local communities at the ground level, provided they are imbued with the principles of solidarity, social cohesion, organizational fitness, and sharing can undertake the proper measures to address a natural disaster such as a pandemic. But because their own resources are scarce, livelihood opportunities and basic public services are wanting and less than ideal, their capacities to cope with a health disaster of the COVID-19 magnitude are limited and inadequate. This is where the state and its agencies need to boldly step in, appreciate what the grassroots are undertaking on their own, and provide what the communities are in short supply of. References Buensuceso, Raya. 2020. “Analysis: Has the Philippines Really Run Out of Funds for COVID Response? The Answer Will Surprise You.” ANCX, ABS-CBN News, August 6, 2020. https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/spotlight/08/06/ 20/analysis-has-the-philippines-really-run-out-of-funds-for-covid-response-theanswer-will-surprise-you. BMP–PLM (Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino–Partido Lakas ng Masa). 2020. “Mayo Uno 2020: Kalusugan, Kabuhayan at Kapangyarihan sa Masang Manggagawa.” May 1, 2020, unpublished manuscript. Cepeda, Mara. 2020. “Robredo Hits Duterte SONA: Don’t Just Wait for COVID-19 Vaccine.” Rappler, July 29, 2020. https://rappler.com/nation/robredo-hits-dutertesona-2020-do-not-just-wait-covid-19-vaccine. Domingo, Katrina, and Vivienne Gulla. 2020. “DBM Yet to Release P34B to Agriculture, Tourism Sectors Under Bayanihan 2: Senators.” ABS-CBN News, October 19, 2020. https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/10/19/20/dbm-yet-to-releasep34b-to-agriculture-tourism-sectors-under-bayanihan-2-senators. Geducos, Argyll Cyrus. 2020. “MECQ May Be Extended in NCR, 4 Provinces if Congress Provides ‘Ayuda’—Malacanang.” Manila Bulletin, August 12, 2020. https://mb.com.ph/2020/08/12/mecq-may-be-extended-in-ncr-4-provinces-ifcongress-provides-ayuda-malacanang/. Ofreneo, Rene E. 2020. “Conquering the Virus: The Whole-of-Government or Whole-of-Society Approach?” Laborem Exercens, Business Mirror, April 2, 2020. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/04/02/conquering-the-virus-whole-ofgovernment-or-whole-of-society-approach/. Ranada, Pia. 2020. “Duterte’s 2020 SONA: Pandemic Plan Overtaken by Obsession with ‘Oligarchs.’” Rappler, July 27, 2020. https://rappler.com/nation/coronaviruspandemic-plan-overtaken-obsession-oligarchs-duterte-sona-2020.