The Health sector has always been one of the most vital sectors in the country. It is therefore imperative that the importance of such a sector be reflected in the legislation, public policies, and support that the state provides. Contagious disease prevention is a fundamental aspect of the Department of Health’s (DOH) proactive public health measures. There are existing programs for vaccination campaigns, public education, and hygiene promotion initiatives. An example would be the DOH’s current plight of encouraging pertussis and measles vaccination. The existence of these health initiatives and programs that help with disease prevention only serves to highlight the glaring weakness in our public health legislation. Without statutes specifically mandating initiatives for preemptive actions against contagious illnesses, all these programs remain inconsistent and limited. The Philippines needs to achieve a unified and systematic response to public health threats. The Armed Forces has legislation for emerging threats, so why can’t the Health sector as a whole, have legislation for the same purpose, albeit for a completely different group of threats?
The COVID-19 pandemic showed us how ill-prepared we are. The Philippines was used to natural disasters, from earthquakes to typhoons, and even volcanic eruptions. Unfortunately, at the start of 2020, we were devastated by another disaster, but this one is invisible and almost impossible to defend against. However, this shouldn’t have been the case. In 2013, during the onslaught of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-COV), the late Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago filed Senate Bill No. 1573, otherwise known as the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act.
Regrettably, this bill was largely ignored, and come 2020, millions of Filipino people will suffer for this negligence and lack of foresight. According to the bill’s explanatory note, the bill “gives the Department of Health the mandate to undertake measures, such as evaluation, planning, organizing, and training, to improve national preparedness for public health emergencies.” Diseases are a natural part of living but humans have always been fighting against the natural order for a better life. The wisdom of the ancients is not to be underestimated. Even during this era of computers and smartphones, their advice cannot be ignored. As the adage goes, “Announce of prevention is better than a pound of cure,” and “Hindsight is not equal to foresight.” I, along with millions of other Filipinos, can only hope that our country’s legislators will live up to their purpose and make laws for the welfare of the people.
Christal Mae Napone
christalmaenapone@gmail.com
09056434262