Bacolod forms 'swine flu' task force
BACOLOD CITY - Acting Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson signed last week an Executive Order for the creation of the City Task Force Against Swine Influenza Virus (SIV) to monitor and set-up preventive measures against the possible spread of the virus.
Swine Influenza Virus is a highly communicable disease that is now spreading in Mexico, the United States of America and is now threatening worldwide.
"My personal view on this, to prevent this virus, is to strengthen our monitoring on Human Traffic by way of safeguarding our international airports like Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and the International Airport in Cebu," Sayson said.
He cited international reports that mostly inflicted by this highly communicable disease are people coming from Mexico and hence he suggested that the travelers from Mexico will be subjected to medical examination as part of the preventive effort.
Sayson explained that since this is now a worldwide concern, it is incumbent upon this task force to monitor thoroughly our own ports. He also suggested to put up an action plan wherein the objective of this is also to monitor all international ships that dock at the BREDCO port. Sayson instructed City Health Officer Dr. Salome Biñas to coordinate with the Provincial Health Office to plan out some preventive measures against the spread of this Swine Influenza Virus. The Task Force created by Sayson has the sole function to plan an extensive information campaign that will educate people about (SIV), identify its symptoms, how to respond to possible SIV cases and how to prevent the spread of the virus. Aside from this, the Task Force will set-up a Swine Influenza Virus (SIV) Hotline in the City of Bacolod.
This task force shall be composed of the Acting City Mayor as Chairman, City Health Officer Dr. Salome Biñas as Vice Chairman and the members are Sangguniang Panglungsod Member Napoleon Cordova, Chairman Committee on Health, SP Member Diosdado Valenzuela - ABC President, Representatives from the Department of Health, City Veterinary Office, Phil. Society of Infectious Disease, Philippine Medical Association, Bacolod City Police Office and Western Visayas Regional Hospital Infectious Disease Consultant. Sayson said that the impact of the SIV on the economy and the disruption in the lives of people in affected areas is so severe that we must be pro-active to protect against its spread here in Bacolod City.