IATF approves ‘whole-of-nation’ approach to prevent swine flu spread

CALOOCAN CITY, July 8 (PIA) – The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease has approved the recommendation to implement a “whole-of-nation approach” in preventing the spread of G4-H1N1 or Swine Flu virus.

“Inapprobahan na ang recommendation ng Department of Agriculture (DA) para sa pagpapatupad ng whole-of-nation approach para mapigilan ang pagkalat ng bagong strain ng G4-H1N1 or Swine flu virus,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in Malacañang press briefing on Tuesday.

Roque said stated in the IATF Resolution No. 52 series of 2020 were some approved approaches to deter the spread of the new strain of G4-H1N1, which include the setting-up of inter-agency surveillance mechanisms for swine farms and workers and the strict implementation of Republic Act No. 10611 or the Food Safety Act of 2013.

“Ang unang rekomendasyon po ay paglalagay ng inter-agency surveillance mechanisms para sa mga swine farm at mga manggagawa lalo na sa regularly exposed sa baboy,” Roque said.

These surveillance mechanisms should be actively linked to the efforts of other countries in monitoring the emerging disease, he said. 

“Pangalawang rekomendasyon, ang mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan partikular ang Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture (DA), Bureau of Customs (BOC) ay inatasan na mahigpit na ipatupad ang RA 10611 or the Food Safety Act of 2013,” Roque added.

The IATF Resolution No. 52 also cited Section 12 of Food Safety Act, which states that “imported foods shall undergo cargo inspection and clearance procedures by the DA and the DOH at the first port of entry to determine compliance with national regulations.”

In addition, the inspection conducted by the DA and the DOH shall always take place prior to assessment for tariff and other charges by the BOC (PIA-NCR)