The Department of Health (DOH) unveiled the Bicol Regional Quarantine Station (BRQS) of the Bureau of Quarantine in Brgy. Pawa, Tabaco City on Thursday, April 25, 2024.
The inauguration was led by Atty. Charade B. Mercado-Grande, Assistant Secretary of Health for HRFDC, Dr. Rodolfo Antonio M. Albornoz, OIC Regional Director of the Department of Health Bicol Center for Health Development (DOH Bicol CHD), Dr. Ferdinand Salcedo, Director IV of Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), Dr. Roberto Salvador Jr., Director III of BOQ, Hon. Cielo Krisel Lagman, Tabaco City Mayor, and Dr. Ruben Martin A. Fortuno, BRQS Station Chief.
“We have realized the importance of pandemic preparedness. We cannot overemphasize the need to prepare because we do not want to have another pandemic where we are going to be caught off-guard,” ASec Grande said in her message.
She highlighted the importance of strengthening service delivery through surveillance and the issuance of quarantine certificates for incoming and outgoing domestic and foreign vessels.
In his speech, Dr. Albornoz pledged DOH Bicol’s commitment to the programs and activities of the LGUs, partners in health, and stakeholders towards the development of a people-centered health system.
Moreover, the DOH recognized the support of the local government unit (LGU) of Tabaco for donating the land where the building of Bureau of Quarantine-Tabaco was constructed.
Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman deemed the Bureau of Quarantine important as the city operates an international port which loads and discharges passengers and cargo.
“Let’s continue to work together and maintain our teamwork, our cohesiveness in doing our respective mandates,” said Dr. Ruben Martin A. Fortuno, BRQS Station Chief, as he express his gratitude to LGU Tabaco, partners, and stakeholders who took part in the construction and realization of the historic project.
The quarantine station is the first regional office stationed in the City of Tabaco, further promoting necessary apprehension and surveillance for public health emergencies. (DOH5/NRB)
(Source: DOH Bicol CHD)