Department of Health (DOH) – Author Carlo Carrasco

Parañaque Congressman Yamsuan Encourages Use of Technology With Transparency In Mind

September 9, 2025September 9, 2025carlocarrasco

In this age of social media and smartphones, achieving transparency is more crucial than ever. Recently, Parañaque City’s 2^nd District Representative Brian Yamsuan reached out to his fellow lawmakers to use digital tools to establish bridges of transparency and close the gap between people and their government, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…

Parañaque 2nd District Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan has called on fellow lawmakers to leverage digital tools to build “bridges of transparency” that will heighten awareness about state-funded services, strengthen public trust, and bring government closer to the people.

Instead of relying on traditional and often tedious modes of delivering public services, Yamsuan said government officials should learn to adapt and take advantage of digital solutions to make such processes simple, fair, and convenient for potential beneficiaries.

“In this digital age, information is no longer confined to the halls of government or the pages of textbooks –it flows through the screens and smartphones of every Filipino. And with that flow comes an opportunity: an opportunity to connect, to inform, to empower, and above all, to build trust,” Yamsuan said in a privilege speech on Monday.

He said the Philippines’ distinction as the world’s social media capital with 97.5 million internet users illustrates how Filipinos have become heavily reliant on online platforms in getting information, which the government can capitalize on to connect with citizens and make them aware of its various programs and projects.

“The government, and we public servants, are often criticized for not doing enough to address problems or bridge gaps. But sometimes the issue is not the lack of programs, but the lack of awareness,” the vice-chairperson of the House Committee on Public Information said.

“As representatives of our respective districts and sectors, we are in a prime position to be part of the solution. We can take the lead in providing information that is easily digestible and understandable, and most importantly, information that is relevant to the needs of our constituents.”

He said delivering the “right information and the right services” to Filipinos can help regain public trust and confidence in “our institutions because people would be able to see and feel that they have a government they can rely on.”

Pointing out the lack of public awareness about government support programs, Yamsuan cited a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey which showed that while over 93 percent of Filipinos know about the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), only 34 percent were aware of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.

A nationwide survey conducted in 2023 by the research firm Capstone-Intel also showed a lack of knowledge about the various initiatives of the Department of Health (DOH), with only 45 percent of the survey participants being aware of the Universal Health Care program, he said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you like what Congressman Yamsuan has been doing since he took office? Do you think there is hope that social media will be used for transparency and cooperation instead of tribalism-related division?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Over 1,500 residents served by Las Piñas City’s Lab for All caravan in Barangay Pilar Village

June 25, 2025June 19, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the Lab for All caravan was held in Barangay Pilar Village serving more than one thousand five hundred residents, the City Government announced via social media. First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Department of Health (DOH) secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar were present during the event.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media post of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…

The City of Las Piñas, led by Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar, welcomed the national government’s “Lab For All: Laboratoryo, Konsulta, at Gamot para sa Lahat” caravan on Tuesday, June 17, at the Aguilar Sports Complex in Pilar. The medical and social outreach provided free health services to more than 1,500 residents in coordination with the Department of Health, partner agencies, and the private sector.

Mayor Mel Aguilar expressed her deep appreciation to the Office of the First Lady and the Department of Health for bringing the Lab For All program to the city, citing its strong alignment with Las Piñas’ continuing thrust to deliver health services closer to the community. Vice Mayor April Aguilar likewise delivered a message of unity and compassion, thanking all volunteers and partner organizations who worked to serve Las Piñeros throughout the day.

Leading the national delegation was First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, who emphasized the administration’s support for maternal and child care, particularly through the First 1,000 Days Program. Also present at the event were Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who both expressed support for the caravan’s goal of providing accessible and people-centered health programs.

Among the services offered were free medical consultations, blood sugar and cholesterol tests, reproductive health services, eye checkups, free eyeglasses, family planning assistance, and the distribution of free medicines. Residents also received legal consultations from the Public Attorney’s Office, assistance from Pag-IBIG and the National Housing Authority, and support from the Senate’s outreach team.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Is your local community up next to host the Lab for All caravan?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Muntinlupa City issues public warning about the rise of local rabies cases

March 23, 2025March 18, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government issued a warning to the public about the rise of animal rabies that happened locally in four different barangays, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Muntinlupa City government warned the public of a rise in animal rabies cases in the city.

“Bilang babala sa mga mamamayan ng Muntinlupa, ipinagbibigay alam na merong naitalang kaso ng Rabies sa hayop sa mga nasabing lugar (As a warning to the citizens of Muntinlupa, we are hereby informed that there have been recorded cases of Rabies in animals in the said areas),” the Office of the City Veterinarian Muntinlupa City posted on Facebook.

It said animal rabies cases were recorded in Purok 2 in Barangay Cupang; Katarungan Village in Barangay Poblacion; Southville 3 housing project, Barangay Poblacion; Lakeview in Barangay Putatan; and Villa Carolina I Subdivision in Barangay Tunasan.

“Bilang pagiingat, siguruhing bakunado ng Anti-Rabies ang inyong mga alagang aso at pusa at huwag hayaang pagala-gala sa kalsada o iba pang pampublikong lugar (As a precaution, make sure your pet dogs and cats are vaccinated against Rabies and do not let them roam the streets or other public areas),” the veterinarian’s office added.

The Department of Health said rabies “is a viral infection that is spread mainly through animal bites. It attacks the nervous system and is almost always fatal; recovery is rare.”

In 2024, 426 rabies cases were recorded in the country and all of them died. It said 45 percent of the cases came from pets.

“It is caused by the rabies virus, which is spread almost always through infected saliva. This occurs most commonly through animal bites, but may also happen through scratches, abrasions and other similar circumstances that involve exposure to infected saliva (e.g. direct contact of eyes and the linings of the mouth and nose to infected saliva),” the DOH added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, did you notice any news about rabies happening in your local community?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Muntinlupa City Health Office says there are no local cases of COVID-19 FLiRT variants detected

May 29, 2024May 28, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the city health office stated that there are no cases of the new variants of COVID-19, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

The Muntinlupa City Health Office said there are no cases of the new variants of Covid-19 in the city amid the start of screening for arrivals at the country’s points of entry.

Dr. Juancho Bunyi, CHO head, said as of May 28, there are only four active Covid-19 cases with mild and moderate symptoms in the city confined at the city-run Ospital ng Muntinlupa in Alabang.

“No new variants reported as per DOH [Department of Health],” said Bunyi.

The country’s Bureau of Quarantine ordered the screening at points of entry on all arrivals from countries where Covid-19 FLiRT cases have been reported.

The DOH said based on the update by the World Health Organization (WHO), the three new variants of Covid-19 being monitored are JN.1.18, KP.2 and KP.3, which are “descendants of JN.1.”

It said KP.2 and KP.3 are known as the “FLiRT” variants, “a nickname coined by some researchers to describe amino acid changes in the COVID-19 virus’ spike protein, specifically from phenylalanine (F) to leucine (L) at position 456, and from arginine (R) to threonine (T) at position 346.”

WHO observed that “there are currently no reported laboratory or epidemiological reports indicating any association between VOIs/VUMs and increased disease severity.”

In the Philippines, the DOH reported that from May 7 to 13, a total of 877 new Covid-19 cases were recorded with an average of 125 reported cases per day.

It said that while there is an increase of Covid-19 cases in the country recently, it is small and lower compared to previous observed increases.

Of the 877, seven had severe or critical disease and five people died, which occurred from April 30 to May 13.

“All Philippine regions remain to be at low risk for COVID-19. There is no scientific basis for travel restrictions to any country because of an increase in COVID-19 cases. The Department remains to be in close coordination with international health authorities, and its Bureau of Quarantine is keeping watch over points of entry nationwide. The voluntary use of face masks should be done properly, along with standard precautions like hand washing, avoiding crowds, and choosing good airflow,” the DOH said.

As of May 12, only 11 percent (119/1,117) of dedicated Covid-19 ICU (intensive care unit) beds were occupied and only 13 percent (1,238/9,571) of dedicated Covid-19 non-ICU beds were occupied, the DOH added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you concerned FLiRT variants of COVID-19 could be detected in the city soon?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City Government warns public about highly contagious Pertussis (whooping cough)

March 25, 2024March 23, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government warned the public about the spread of Pertussis (also referred to as whooping cough) which already caused over four hundred cases counted in the first ten weeks of the year in the country (according to the Department of Health’s statistics), according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

The Muntinlupa City government warned the public about pertussis, or whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory illness.

“Pertussis spreads easily from person to person mainly through droplets produced by coughing or sneezing. The disease is most dangerous in infants, and is a significant cause of disease and death in this age group,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The Department of Health (DOH) recorded 453 cases of pertussis in the first 10 weeks of 2024.

Dr. Juancho Bunyi, head of the Muntinlupa City Health Office (CHO), said pertussis is a bacterial disease affecting the mucous membrane of the throat.

The symptoms of pertussis, he said, include persistent cough with episodes of vomiting. The cough lasts for two weeks.

“And for every cough episodes, meron siyang pagsusuka (And for every cough episode, the patient will have vomiting),” Bunyi said in a video uploaded by the Muntinlupa City government on Facebook.

He told Manila Bulletin that the Muntinlupa CHO is currently monitoring five cases of pertussis from different barangays with no clustering. No death from pertussis has been recorded in Muntinlupa.

The CHO is also doing a defaulter tracking of children who may have missed their pertussis shots, Bunyi added.

“Individuals who are experiencing prolonged and excessive cough of more than 2 weeks with fever, runny nose and with vomiting episodes after bouts of cough are advised to seek immediate consultation,” said Bunyi.

He added, “Pertussis if left untreated may lead to respiratory distress and eventually difficulty of breathing resulting to death. As of to date Muntinlupa has no fatality from pertussis.”

Bunyi advised wearing of face masks for those who were in close contact and for families with known cases of pertussis.

“As a standard measure to prevent any type of airborne infection just like pertussis, wearing of face mask is prescribed especially to those in close contacts and families with known case of pertussis or whooping cough,” he said.

He encouraged people to have their children vaccinated against pertussis.

“Since this is a vaccine preventable disease, mother’s are encouraged to bring their children to the nearest health facilities to get their pertussis shots which is given free to all public health institutions . Those who failed to complete the dose (defaulters) requirement for the shot are likewise encouraged to get immunized,” he said.

In the video, he said pertussis is included in pentahib, or pentavalent vaccine, which is a routine immunization of children in the country.

Pertussis is part of the DPT immunization, or diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you concerned that Pertussis could have infected some members of your local community? Are people in your local community aware of whooping cough?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa Mayor Biazon hopes Maynilad’s new water treatment plant in the city will solve water service interruptions

December 21, 2023December 17, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the newest water treatment plant (WTP) of water concessionaire Maynilad in Barangay Poblacion was formally inaugurated with the presence of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., and Mayor Biazon expressed hope that the said plant will solve water service interruptions, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon is hoping that Maynilad’s new water treatment plant in the city will solve water service interruptions that are being experienced by residents.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the inauguration of Maynilad’s Poblacion Water Treatment Plant (WTP) in Muntinlupa on Dec. 15.

“We hope this new facility will help address challenges in water supply in Muntinlupa,” posted Biazon on Facebook.

Biazon joined the inauguration along with Muntinlupa Rep. Jaime Fresnedi, Poblacion Barangay Chairman Allen Ampaya, Environment Sec. Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) Administrator Leonor Cleofas, and Maynilad Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan.

According to Maynilad, the Poblacion WTP has a capacity to produce 150 million liters of water per day.

Biazon said this December, the plant is expected to produce 50 million liters per day, and by the first half of 2024, it will go on full operations.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM) led today, December 15, 2023, the formal inauguration of Maynilad’s Poblacion Water Treatment Plant (WTP) in Muntinlupa City.

Maynilad said the new WTP cost P11 billion and it is the company’s third water treatment facility that gets raw water from the Laguna Lake.

It said the new plant will service about one million customers in Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, and Cavite.

“The additional water supply it produces will help to minimize service interruptions due to raw water quality shifts in Laguna Lake, which have been occurring with more frequency owing to the effects of climate change,” the company said in a press release.

It said the new treatment plant uses a multi-stage process of dissolved air flotation, cloth filter, biological aerated filter, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, and chlorination to ensure that the water from Laguna Lake passes the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW) of the Department of Health.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you optimistic that the new WTP of Maynilad will at least reduce the number of water service interruptions?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Las Piñas City’s local health programs recognized by DOH

November 21, 2023November 17, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the local health programs of the City Government earned the recognition of the Department of Health (DOH), according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

The Las Piñas City government was recognized by the Department of Health Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) for its outstanding health programs.

According to Mayor Imelda Aguilar, the city government received recognition for its effective implementation of the Adolescent Health Development Program and the National Immunization Program.

Aguilar said the DOH-CHD highlighted the city government’s proactive efforts in promoting youth health and enhancing immunization coverage against preventable diseases.

She said the city government also received recognition for the city’s dedication to maternal health through the National Safe Motherhood Program.

The mayor added that the city government was also commended for its significant contribution to disaster risk reduction and management in health for showing effective response in health emergencies.

Aguilar said the city was also recognized for its strides in rabies prevention, moving towards a “Rabies-Free Philippines by 2030.”

The city government was also recognized for its innovative health strategies and successful implementation of the Family Planning Program.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted with what the City Government achieved with regards to the local health programs?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Bivalent COVID-19 vaccines for general population allowed

August 10, 2023August 6, 2023carlocarrasco

More patients around the country can avail of the bivalent vaccines for COVID-19 as a result of the Department of Health’s (DOH) revision of its guidelines, according to a Manila Times news report. This developed as less than 50% of the initial batch of bivalent vaccines have been used on patients limited to health care workers and senior citizens.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Times report. Some parts in boldface…

THE general population can now be administered with Covid-19 bivalent vaccine after the Department of Health (DoH) issued revised guidelines on the updated jab.

A bivalent vaccine protects against both the original virus that causes Covid-19 and the Omicron variants.

In a memorandum dated July 10 but was released to the public only this week, the DoH said those under the A3 group, meaning persons with comorbidities and compromised immunity, can now receive the Pfizer bivalent vaccine in hospitals and health facilities nationwide.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa added that the general public can also avail of bivalent vaccine, noting their decision stemmed from the slow consumption of the updated jab among the A1 (health care workers) and A2 (senior citizen) subgroups. He said only 38 percent of the 391,000 donated doses allotted for these groups were used.

“Because of that, we have decided to make it available to those who want to get vaccinated with the booster. We only decided on this last week as the uptake was slow,” Herbosa said in Filipino and English in a radio interview.

The government’s stock of donated bivalent vaccines are set to expire on July 31, with an extension date of August 30.

Herbosa said a person can only receive a bivalent vaccine four to six months after getting the second booster dose.

He added that the government is negotiating with the global Covax Facility for additional bivalent vaccine doses.

Pfizer, Herbosa said, has issued a certificate of product registration that would make the vaccine available in drugstores across the country, but the lack of local cold chain storage proves to be a hindrance.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are there many people in your local community who have been wanting to get immunized with the bivalent vaccines?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Maynilad announces plan for new water treatment facilities costing P5.7 billion

August 2, 2023July 31, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently the water concessionaire Maynilad announced that it will establish new water treatment facilities to boost water production and they have set aside P5.7 billion as a result, according to a BusinessWorld news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld news article. Some parts in boldface…

WEST ZONE concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. is setting aside P5.7 billion as capital expenditure (capex) budget for new water treatment facilities to produce nearly 97 million liters per day.

“Ang capex na binudget namin diyan (The capex that we budgeted) to produce close to 97 million liters per day is 5.7 billion [pesos],” Maynilad President and Chief Executive Officer Ramoncito S. Fernandez told reporters in a chance interview last week.

“[The project is in] phases as it is tied with the wastewater treatment plant so what is laid out now that is starting is in Valenzuela, by the end of the year, and then next year would be in Pasay,” he added.

The new facilities are part of the company’s “new water” project that was launched in July last year starting in Parañaque City. The project aims to convert treated used water from sewerage treatment plants into potable water.

In June, Maynilad received a permanent operational permit from the Department of Health for its “new water” treatment plant in Parañaque City.

Asked about the ease in securing a permit for the facilities, he said: “That’s what we believe so because this is first in the Philippines, first in Asia.”

He said at first, the company struggled to convince regulators, but the project was accepted after efforts to gain public acceptance.

Mr. Fernandez said that after proving the project’s safety and “that it can be done scientifically, the adoption of the others should be faster.”

The project seeks to generate additional water supply in response to growing demand.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this newest move by Maynilad will be able to solve the water supply problems once the new water treatment plants get completed and activated?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Marcos officially lifts COVID-19 state of public health emergency

July 25, 2023July 23, 2023carlocarrasco

In case you missed the biggest update related to COVID-19 in the Philippines, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., officially lifted the state of public health emergency related to novel coronavirus, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. Take note that the said state of emergency pertaining to public health had lasted more than three years and the nation has clearly recovered from the negative effects of the pandemic. Many millions of Filipinos got vaccinated for COVID-19 while a growing number of businesses have been reporting the best financial results since the pre-pandemic age.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has formally lifted the state of public health emergency declared due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, Malacañang announced on Saturday.

Marcos on Friday issued Proclamation 297, lifting the nationwide declaration of a public health emergency due to Covid-19, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a statement.

“All prior orders, memoranda, and issuances that are effective only during the State of Public Health Emergency shall be deemed withdrawn, revoked or canceled and shall no longer be in effect,” according to the proclamation.

Under Proclamation 297, all government agencies are enjoined to ensure that their policies, rules, and regulations will take into consideration the lifting of the state of public health emergency.

Government agencies are also instructed to amend existing or promulgate new issuances, as may be appropriate.

Garafil said all emergency use authorization (EUA) issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under Executive Order (EO) 121 issued in 2020 would remain valid for one year from the date of issuance of Proclamation 297 “for the sole purposes of exhausting the remaining vaccines.”

EO 131 authorizes the FDA to issue EUAs for Covid-19 vaccines, which shall be valid only within the duration of the declared public health emergency.

“The proclamation also states that although Covid-19 remains to be a serious concern for certain subpopulation and requires continued public health response, the country has maintained sufficient health care system capacity and low hospital bed utilization rates even after the liberalization of Covid-19 health protocols,” Garafil said.

Former president Rodrigo Duterte issued Proclamation 922 on March 8, 2020, declaring a state of public health emergency after the first Covid-19 transmission reported by the Department of Health (DOH).

On May 4 this year, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) noted the decreasing trend in Covid-related deaths, the decline in hospitalizations and intensive care unit admission, and the high levels of population immunity to SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2).

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on May 5 concurred with the committee’s advice and determined that Covid-19 no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. Ghebreyesus advised the transition to long-term management of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In May, Marcos said the country is already “on normal footing” after the WHO lifted the global state of public health emergency.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the lifting of the COVID-19 state of public health emergency will impact local societies around the country?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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