|
Friday, November 18, 2005
Arroyo seeks more funds for anti-bird flu drive
* 'Trangkasong ibon' is how President calls bird flu
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Thursday said she will ask Congress to give additional funding for government's Avian Flu Prevention Program in case of an outbreak of bird flu in the country.
Arroyo, in her pre-departure speech before going to Korea for the 13th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit, said cooperation and preparation for the avian flu is among the three areas she will focus on in the Apec meet.
The other two are the anti-terrorism cooperation and investments in government's pro-poor programs in the Philippines.
Arroyo, who is known for her literal translations, referred to bird flu as "trangkasong ibon" in her speech.
She said she will work with the Cabinet in putting the "final touches" on government's comprehensive Avian Flu Prevention Program when she returns from the Apec summit in November 21.
She said Congress can source the additional funding for the anti-bird flu program from the P37 billion savings from debt service payments.
Arroyo said at the Apec summit, she will share with other heads of economies what the Philippines is doing in preparation for the avian flu. She will call for comprehensive cooperation among Apec members against the spread of the avian virus.
She said she will also discuss the issues of the lack of vaccines against bird flu and the importance of having adequate and affordable medicine. "That is the only way we will contain any outbreak if it comes," she added. (JMR/Sunnex)
(November 18, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
|
