PGMA designates DOH and DA crisis managers for Ebola Reston virus
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has designated the secretaries of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Health (DoH) overall crisis managers to stem the spread of the Ebola Reston virus, a deadlier strain of Ebola found in Africa.
Under Executive Order No. 826 signed last August 14, the President set the guidelines from which the DA and DoH will base its powers, functions and responsibilities to combat the virus.
“The Secretary of Agriculture is hereby granted and bestowed such powers and functions as would be necessary in order to contain, control, prevent, regulate and otherwise restrict the entry, movement, keeping, handling, or raising of livestock, poultry including their by-products and other types of animals, which are infected, or suspected to be, infected or potential carrier of the Ebola Reston virus,” the EO read.
“The Secretary of Health is granted and bestowed such powers and authority as would be necessary in order to prevent, restrict, or otherwise regulate the entry, movement, or surveillance of people coming from infected areas or in any place where the infection has been suspected or detected,” it further read.
The EO also directs the DoH and the DA to undertake information dissemination measures by issuing bulletins, advisories and health warnings to instill a better understanding of the Ebola Reston virus, promote positive health values and behavior, and prevent disinformation, confusion or panic.
It also empowers the overall crisis managers to “call upon all agencies of the government for support and assistance.”
Among the agencies they may tap for the purpose include the Departments of Interior and Local Government, Foreign Affairs, Transportation and Communications, Finance, Education, Labor and Employment, National Defense, Press Secretary, the National Disaster Coordinating Council, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police and all local government units.
In issuing the EO, the President is sending a strong message that the government is taking bold, preemptive, active and immediate measures to avert or minimize the virus’ potential grave effects. (PNA)