Press Release
October 6, 2009

Wary of health risks in storm's aftermath
CONVERGE GOVERNMENT EFFORTS VS HEALTH HAZARDS -- ANGARA

Senator Edgardo J. Angara today said that government must exert conscious and concerted effort in providing safe food and potable water for those that were gravely affected by the typhoon.

"In the hustle and bustle of recovering from a natural disaster, many would compromise food safety and take chances on cheaper food products to stretch their meager budget. It is the responsibility of government not only to help its people recover but ensure the safety and affordability of basic necessities - especially food," said Angara who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance.

He added, "Government should ensure that all fronts are covered when it comes to food safety. The Department of Health through the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Customs (BoC), as well as Local Government Units should collaborate to ensure food safety in addition to providing clean water and sanitation facilities."

The recent calamity not only took lives but caused extensive damage to Philippine agriculture and water systems, posing serious health hazards if not addressed promptly. Faced with this alarming situation, Angara now calls for a quick clean up drive and the restoration of water sanitation and sewerage systems.

"We must intensify clean-up efforts and start bringing the task of managing water resources and regulating water use down to the provincial, city, town and barangay levels," he said.

Angara said that more than anything, the typhoon has emphasized the need to invest in public health services, both to prevent and battle diseases in the aftermath of the typhoon. Further, Angara underlined the need for coordination among health units all over the country, so that they may readily prevent and swiftly deliver treatment to patients suspected to have diseases like cholera, dengue, etc.

"Very often during periods of austerity, we see cutbacks in public spending in healthcare. Recent events should make us rethink this bias against health spending, and highlight the need to provide access to quality healthcare to Filipinos. A good measure of a society's level of civilization is how it treats its peoples' health," said Angara.

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