CEBU CITY (Sept. 20, 2022) – The Social Development Committee (SDC) today endorsed to the Regional Development Council (RDC) full council for inclusion in its plans a study made by the Cebu Normal University (CNU) titled “Future-proofing Central Visayas Against Pandemics: A Roadmap Study”.

Among the “multi-sectorial” recommendations of the study are the” issuance of uniform policies across the region for health and safety protocols” as well as the creation of “Central Visayas Crisis Management Database” that is functional and regularly updated “to aid policy and decision-making”.

Dr. Laurence L. Garcia. (Photo: from CNU website)

It also emphasized “representation from the private sector for government initiatives” and “harmonization and alignment of policy issuances” at the national, regional, and local levels.

Dr. Laurence L. Garcia reported the outcome of their study in today’s hybrid RDC-SDC meeting that several mayors also attended.

The committee “commissioned” the study, which was started last year, as a lesson learned from the ongoing pandemic.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed not only the weaknesses of the health care system but also the absence of a blueprint to effectively and appropriately deal with a pandemic from the outset, effectively manage it throughout its course, and recover from its economic and social disruptions” read the study.

“The preparation of a roadmap study to future-proof Central Visayas against pandemics was proposed to address this glaring gap,” Garcia said.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed not only the weaknesses of the health care system but also the absence of a blueprint to effectively and appropriately deal with a pandemic from the outset, effectively manage it throughout its course, and recover from its economic and social disruptions.

Future-proofing Central Visayas Against Pandemics: A Roadmap Study

The study made several sector-based recommendations for the RDC to consider.

For the health sector, the study suggested as key strategies “disease surveillance and detection of emerging disease, profiling of high-risk population, invest(ing) on research and development for future emerging diseases”.

It also suggested that the region “strengthen health promotion activities to lessen lifestyle-related diseases” and conduct a “visit to the geographically-isolated and disadvantaged areas to reach missed out target population”.

During the celebration of the National Nutrition Month this month of July, the City Health Department (CHD) noticed that the cases of diabetes and hypertension increased in the city. This is the reason why CHD encourages people to live a healthy life and eat a balanced diet. (PIO/Ruel Rosello)

And since grassroots monitoring is paramount, it is suggested a community-based surveillance system be established as it “serves as an early warning system for impending outbreaks”.

In terms of governance, the study suggested as key strategies “prioritization of health and research budget”, “increase trust and confidence in the government by strengthening strategic communication policies to disseminate appropriate and timely messages utilizing all available platforms, manage ‘infodemics’ and implement measures against misinformation”.

A photo of one of the barangay health centers in the city. One of the key recommendations o the Cebu Normal University study is the prioritization of health and research budget to prevent future pandemic outbreaks. (PIO/File)

It likewise suggested that governments “strengthen collaboration and partnerships with local communities and private sector organizations”.

If adopted during the RDC full council meeting on Sept. 30, the study will serve as a guide for the body in crafting its own plan for the region, vis-a-vis pandemic response in Central Visayas. (PIO/rhm)

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