QUEZON CITY, May 31 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) tasked the barangay heads to intensify vigilance and compliance to minimum public health standards (MPHS) by preventing “super spreader events” from happening in their areas of jurisdiction.
Local Government Secretary Eduardo M. Año observed that mass gatherings have been prevalent lately, requiring more effort to avert the spread of COVID-19 infections on the community or barangay level. He said that this could not be enforced solely by the local government unit (LGU) without the help of punong barangays (PB) in localizing the implementation of national government policies.
Año said that the DILG would issue a Memorandum Circular assigning tasks to PBs in intensifying the campaign against holding activities that can potentially be sources of COVID-19 super spreaders.
Among these, he said, are Barangay COVID-19 Operations Center (BCOC) and Barangay Tanod Health Patrols (BTHP) or Barangay Disiplina Brigades, providing a hotline or emergency numbers for reporting of mass gathering incidents; and the strict monitoring and implementation of MPHS.
PBs are also given the green light to inspect sports, recreation, and leisure facilities regularly; regulate, limit, and prohibit public gatherings, such as drinking sessions, sabong, tupada, fiesta, parades, and other various religious events and cultural festivals.
“Sa panahong ang laban sa COVID-19 ay nasa mga tahanan at barangay na, malaki ang inaasahan natin sa ating mga PB. With these new roles placed upon their shoulders, we hope that positive change in our continuing war against coronavirus will take place,” Año said.
The DILG Chief further said the PBs, with the assistance of barangay tanods, homeowners association, etc., are expected to assist community pantries all over the country. He said that the safety of the beneficiaries and organizers is the top priority.
The DILG directed PBs to coordinate with the City/Municipal COVID-19 Operations Center, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to run after health protocol violators.
Año said that, ultimately, “PBs and other barangay officials are expected to implement measures consistent with IATF regulations, policies and guidelines of the DILG, Department of Health (DOH), and other national government agencies.” (MTQ/PIA-IDPD)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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