Back to the basics – a strategic implementation plan

Published July 22, 2020

By: Atty. Gregorio Larrazabal

#ASKGOYO
Throughout life, in many instances taking a step back is what is needed to move forward. In
several situations, consistently moving slow gets you faster to your destination, than moving
fast, but without direction. Even if we crawl to where we’re going to, we’ll still get there faster
as compared to a person running around in circles.
As I discussed last Monday, it would do everyone good if officials discuss amongst themselves
BEFORE making official pronouncements on the plans and programs. At almost half a year since
the first COVID-19 case in the Philippines, announcing motherhood programs should have been
done last March yet. At this time, plans should be focused on the implementation stage. This
should include details like how programs are going to be implemented; the timeline of the
implementation; the resources needed and the status of the availability of resources, etc.
Basically, a good strategic implementation plan .

A good strategic implementation plan includes knowing three things:

1. What is the current situation in the Philippines?

Those in charge need to do an honest-to-goodness assessment of the condition the Philippines
is in TODAY. Bring in the healthcare experts who know the situation on the ground. Ask them
for their honest opinion on the healthcare crisis, but NEVER take offense on what they will say
to you. Remember, denying there is a problem is a sure fire way of ensuring you won’t fix the
problem. Ask economists what can and should be done, giving priority to the health and lives of
the citizens, while trying to revive the economy. Take off those rose- colored glasses before you
start trying to fix the problems of the country, and before making statements on the situation of
the country.
We need to be guided by science and be data-driven.

2. Where do we want to go?

We need to go DOWN, and we need to go UP.
DOWN refers to the curve. We need to flatten it. FAST. We need to make sure it remains flat.
Look at other countries in ASEAN like Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, countries which are worse
off economically than the Philippines, but have done MUCH better, specially with reference to a
lower death toll and a considerably higher recovery rate. We also need to make sure it remains
flat. Some countries who had success are now struggling because they eased their restrictions
too early. We could learn several lessons from their experience.
UP refers to the economy. It needs to go back up. But it needs to be sustainable. How do we
achieve this? That’s the role of the economists who talk with healthcare experts. There has to
be a balance to ensure the health and welfare of the citizens are paramount.
3. How do we get there?
We know where we want to go. I think everyone from whatever political affiliation, knows
where we need to go. I’m not talking about political agenda or misplaced political priorities.
We’re talking about TWO THINGS:
a. Welfare of the people.
b. Health of the economy.
In No. 1 we should know where we are now. In no. 2, we know where we need to go.
Now…How do we draw a line that connects 1 and 2? How do we, with our current resources,
get to our destination?
By this time, all planners already have the necessary Gantt Charts. However, what separates the
good planners is the ability to adjust and correct mistakes. An honest-to-goodness assessment
will allow us to determine if there are many changes that need to be done. These include:
Changes in the structure (streamline it, instead of adding layers).
Manning of personnel – Do you need to replace some people who are not performing?
Do you need to re-allocate resources to ensure those areas which are POTENTIAL hotspots can
be nipped in the bud?
Be pro-active, instead of reactive.
Always remember: MAKE SURE TO BALANCE YOUR STRATEGIC IMPLENTATION PLAN TO
CORRESPOND WITH REALITY. Make sure what you say, can be done. I’ve seen too many officials
in the past say something repeatedly thinking that saying it often enough will make it happen.
We’re not in Oz. You can’t click your heels to get to our destination or solve a problem.