CODE TEAM VISITS LA UNION, EMPHASIZES PDITR STRATEGY COUNTER CoViD-19
By: Maeve N. Zafra, PIO | Photo By: Jefferson Lorenzo, PIO | Date: October 22, 2020
The Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (CODE) Team composed of the National Government's key representatives visits the Province of La Union to share the best practices in implementing the National Action Plan (NAP) Phase II against the CoViD-19 pandemic as well as discuss other plans moving forward.
On Unity and Solidarity to Combat CoViD-19
The National Task Force (NTF) Against CoViD-19 Chief Implementer Sec. Carlito G. Galvez Jr. commends the Provincial Government of La Union through the leadership of Gov. Pacoy Ortega in executing policies to counter the virus. "Your leaders are great leaders. Ang kanilang puso at mga adhikain ay ang matulungan ang kanilang mga kababayan."
NTF Deputy Chief Implementer Sec. Vivencio B. Dizon, in his speech, highlighted the importance of unity in purpose in fighting CoViD-19, where he also commended Gov. Pacoy for bringing the province into one goal – beating CoViD-19.
On Best Practices in the Implementation of the Prevent, Detect, Isolate, Treat, and Reintegrate (PDITR) Strategy
Contact Tracing Czar Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, in his presentation, said that to effectively trace all contacts – speed is vital. He previously came to the province to share the Test-Isolate-Treat Strategy, which the province has adapted for the contact tracing initiatives. He gives great importance to data management in containing and managing the spread of the virus.
Meanwhile, DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya shared that Prevention is the centerpiece of the strategy. He also recognizes the role of mobilizing the Barangays to cascade and monitor minimum health standards' proper observance.
DOH Director Dr. Gloria Balboa also stressed on the importance of implementing PDITR Strategy in workplaces. In her closing statement, she said that through the Operational Framework of CoViD-19 Response in Workplaces, "our workforce, our most important resource, will be protected against the CoViD-19 pandemic."
On Aggressive Community Testing and Oplan Kalinga
DOH Assistant Secretary Atty. Charade Mercado-Grande is currently spearheading the three-day Aggressive Community Testing operations in the City of San Fernando, La Union, where a target of 3,000 residents will be tested. In her speech, she said, "Ang aggressive testing ay kailangan nating isagawa upang maiwasan ang pagkalat ng sakit at maibsan ang hawaan." City Mayor Alf Ortega assures the NTF of the City's full support to the task force's programs. "As the Father of the City of San Fernando, it gives me a great sense of fulfillment to work with our national leaders in stepping up to the task of innovating and finding new ways to strengthen our capacities to rise above the pandemic."
On the other hand, MMDA Chief-of-Staff In-charge of the OPLAN Kalinga – a program that partners with facilities like hotels, motels, or apartelles as temporary treatment and monitoring facilities, said that with Aggressive Community Testing, temporary treatment and monitoring facilities must be in place to isolate patients who are positive but asymptomatic.
On Stronger Capacities towards building a Stronger La Union
As we continue with the fight against CoViD-19, the NTF is making sure to assist in our capacities to implement the PDITR Strategy successfully. To date, the province has an additional 299 trained Contact Tracers that will significantly help in contact tracing efforts. The NTF has also identified a hotel to serve as the OPLAN Kalinga Isolation Facility in La Union.
Governor Pacoy, in his message, reminded his fellow public servants that "We are given a chance to make a difference in people's lives. Collaboration is key at the height of the pandemic; we realized that the key for this is our unity and solidarity." He also ensures that "the Provincial Government of La Union shall align our objectives and initiatives to the National Task Force against CoViD-19 in our journey of building a Stronger La Union."
Also present are City Mayor Alf Ortega, City Vice Mayor Chary Nisce, City Councilors, heads and representatives of Regional Line Agencies, and media partners. The event was also attended by the Mayors of the 19 municipalities in La Union via Zoom.
