House urges LGUs, congressmen to help DOH spread nCoV info

House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano proposed that local government units (LGUs) and members of the House of Representatives should assist the Department of Health (DOH) in disseminating accurate information about the novel coronavirus (nCoV).

Cayetano believes that LGUs and congressmen can effectively reach the public to provide guidance on preventing the virus and assuring transparency from the government.

He emphasized that correct information is crucial for prevention and can help avoid panic and health scares caused by unverified sources on social media.

The Speaker highlighted that reliable information from official channels will provide citizens with the necessary guidance regarding the nCoV.

This suggestion comes as the Philippines confirmed its first case of nCoV on January 30, a 38-year-old Chinese female PUI.

Meanwhile, Ang Probinsyano Party-list Rep. Ronnie Ong suggested that the national government should establish standard protocols for disease outbreaks and biohazard emergencies, citing the initial response to nCoV as chaotic.

Ong pointed out that the lack of a clear command-and-control mechanism caused delays in implementing countermeasures, particularly at ports and airports.

He also noted that disease outbreaks require a different response strategy compared to natural calamities like earthquakes and typhoons.