There is a popular English proverb that says “cometh the hour, cometh the man” – the

idea that the right leaders will come to the fore during times of crisis.

For many leaders across the world, “the hour” has now come again, with the Covid-19
outbreak threatening millions of lives across the globe unless swift, concerted action is taken.

There is no easy route through the crisis. Besides the obvious problem of selecting the
correct path to take, leaders also face the monumental task of reassuring the public and
persuading them to follow through on government decisions – even when measures such as
social distancing – with its knock-on effect on employment – come at great personal cost.

A wrong move could erode trust and unleash unrest that exacerbates the existing
dangers. But it remains to be seen whether our leaders will rise to the occasion with the
appropriate response.

Jacinda Ardern in New Zealand was early to lockdown and crystal clear on the
maximum level of alert she was putting the country under—and why. She imposed self-
isolation on people entering New Zealand astonishingly early, when there were just 6 cases in
the whole country, and banned foreigners entirely from entering soon after. Clarity and
decisiveness are saving New Zealand from the storm. As of mid-April they have suffered
only four deaths, and where other countries talk of lifting restrictions, Ardern is adding to
them, making all returning New Zealanders quarantine in designated locations for 14 days.

In the national level, Vice President Leni Robredo had led simultaneous activities in
various parts of the country for its response to corona pandemic. With her Swab Cab
initiative thousands of front liners were targeted boosting the testing capabilities of local
government units. VP Robredo also went forefront in believing that incentives and not threats
is needed in getting people vaccinated. With the participation of local government units and
private businesses, VP Robredo through her Vaccine Express in partnership with the SMART
Bakuna Benefits initiative helped many individuals to get vaccinated without any hesitation
or fear.

Lastly, we have Mayor Richard Gomez who led Ormoc City with proper discipline.
Following proper protocols and social distancing, beneficiaries of the pandemic assistance
exemplify a different kind of discipline. He also crashed bureaucracy by giving aide first
hand after the declaration of nationwide lockdown.