The Department of Science and Technology Region XI (DOST XI) officially launched on July 28 the manual entitled “Pandemic Manual: A Procedures Manual on Prevention, Mitigation and Building Resilience to Epidemics and Pandemics.”
The Pandemic Manual contains procedures in the implementation of various technologies, innovations, and systems developed to provide a secured working environment in the event of health emergency outbreaks. These guidelines, for both DOST XI personnel and its customers, will ensure the continuous delivery of quality products and services despite past, ongoing or anticipated epidemics and pandemics.
Part of the activity was the Ceremonial Turn-over of the Pandemic Manual from the DOST Region XI to the Regional Development Council XI (RDC XI) and National Economic and Development Authority XI (NEDA XI) as received by NEDA XI Regional Director Ma. Lourdes M. Lim and the Office of Civil Defense XI (OCD XI) and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council XI (RDRRMC XI) represented by OCD XI Regional Director Manolito P. Orense.
“This turnover is the mechanism of the office to share this initiative to our fellow government agencies – this can be used as guide in crafting localized guidelines in their organization. Having this policy guide is important to ensure the continuous delivery of quality products and services despite past, ongoing or anticipated epidemics and pandemics,” DOST XI Regional Director Dr. Anthony C. Sales, CESO III said.
Meanwhile, RDC XI Vice Chairperson and NEDA XI Regional Director Lim said the formulation of the Pandemic Manual is very timely as we are challenged to address the current COVID- 19 crisis as well as to be better prepared for any similar future incidents.
“This PanManual shall provide guidance on the standard operating procedures to generate common understanding and coordinated implementation on best practices, strategies and policies in pandemic preparedness, recovery and mitigation planning and implementation of a quality controlled system to regularly monitor and evaluate the operability and quality of regional, local, and sectoral preparedness plans,” Director Lim said. She also mentioned that the manual shall be disseminated to all RDC XI members and stakeholders in Davao Region to serve as reference in crafting their own response, mitigation, and recovery plans and programs.
Director Orense, also the Chairperson of the RDRRMC XI, said the initiative is a vital development in the government’s efforts against pandemics and epidemics. He added that he hopes that DOST will come up with more innovations and dynamic undertakings as the battle for pandemic continues. (DOST XI S&T Promotion)