At the end of 2021, countries across South East Asia were optimistic about recovery prospects in 2022 as aggressive vaccination programs edged local populations closer to herd immunity levels.

On January 30th, I arrived in Manila to start my recent survey quarter, and the Philippines had just confirmed their first case of COVID-19. I observed what seemed like a swift local response as much of the population was already wearing masks, and hand sanitizer was provided in most hotels and restaurants in the Makati area. One supermarket even advised customers to put on a mask upon entering, but it was not mandatory.

There is so much construction occurring across Manila that they are currently facing a workforce problem.