Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary for Mindanao Affairs and Special Concerns, Marjorie Jalosjos cites the vital role of LGUs particularly village leaders in fighting the spread of the COVID-19 and urged them to work hard to promote public health.
She underscored that prevention is still the best defense against coronavirus disease (Covid-19) thus, LGUs are enjoined to carry out more aggressive measures to contain the spread of the disease in their communities.
Usec. Jalosjos cited ‘Operation Listo’ protocols for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases during the Coordinated Operation to Defeat Epidemic (CODE) Team visit in the city of Baguio recently.
She explained that CODE is a response initiative to give support to local government units (LGUs) with limited capabilities and resources in order to mitigate localized transmission at the community level through enhanced surveillance strategy and expanded testing capacity.
“We strive to contain and manage the spread of COVID-19 thus, we also want to have a well-informed citizenry adhering to minimum public health standards,” she said.
Further, she urged local chief executives in the barangay level to continue leading the campaign in their respective LGUs by undertaking relevant advocacy activities that foster a culture of discipline.
Usec. Jalosjos reiterated that to mitigate the possibility of contagion, the focus for LGUs should be the PDITRM steps: to Prevent, Detect, Isolate, Treat, Reintegrate and Mainstream in accordance with the National Strategy to Defeat COVID-19.
She said that continuing capability programs for the LGUs will ensure the effectiveness of the interventions and can eliminate the virus in the localities.
(OIC Joe Manzano, RPN DZBS Baguio/ Pamela Geminiano / Photo by RPN DZBS Baguio Team)