A team of esteemed scholars—Mario B. Lamberte, Fernando T. Aldaba, Alex B. Brillantes, Jr., and Enrico L. Basilio—has authored a comprehensive two-volume book titled Living Well Under the Shade of the New Normal. The book explores the enduring effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and outlines strategies for adapting to the “new normal.” The book draws on the collective expertise of socio-economic researchers, providing a multidisciplinary analysis of the country’s journey through the pandemic, addressing both pandemic-related challenges and new issues that have emerged.
The authors analyze changes across various fields, including economics, political science, public health, and sociology, to understand how the pandemic has reshaped societies. The book identifies key challenges and opportunities that have arisen, emphasizing the need for resilience at both individual and societal levels. It highlights the importance of strengthening social safety nets, improving governance, and fostering innovation to better prepare for future crises. Mental health is also a major focus, with the authors recognizing its crucial role alongside economic and physical health recovery.
A significant portion of the book discusses the role of governance in navigating the post-pandemic world. The authors argue that effective leadership and close collaboration between governments, private sectors, and civil society are essential for overcoming pandemic-related challenges. They review various governance models’ responses to the crisis and provide recommendations for improving public policy.
This groundbreaking publication was launched on July 29, 2024, during the National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG) celebration of the Center for Policy and Executive Development’s (CPED) 56th anniversary at the International Center for Public Administration. PKC