• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Amid rising global concern over the Nipah virus, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has urged health and border authorities to maintain strict vigilance and ensure that preparedness systems remain fully operational.
While current health advisories place the Philippines at low risk, Escudero said developments in neighboring regions underscore the need for sustained, proactive monitoring.
“Public safety depends not only on rapid response but on continuous readiness,” he stressed, noting that several Asian countries have already tightened airport health checks following recent Nipah related developments abroad.
The Philippines must match this level of alertness to safeguard travelers and communities, he pointed out.
Nipah virus, first detected in Malaysia in 1998, has resurfaced in India, where authorities are enforcing localized containment measures and expanded contact tracing. Outbreaks have also been recorded in Bangladesh, prompting heightened regional surveillance.
Escudero, in a statement, called on the Department of Health and the Bureau of Quarantine to keep border health protocols fully activated, from thermal scanning and symptom monitoring to clear guidance for arriving passengers.
These measures, he said, are critical to preventing the entry and spread of high risk pathogens.
Local health authorities in Negros Occidental also supported the call of Escudero.
The veteran legislator also underscored the need for strong inter agency coordination among health, transport, and local government units.
“Preparedness is never the work of a single office. It is a shared responsibility that requires synchronized systems, updated data, and timely communication,” he stressed.
Escudero added that the government should have already internalized the lessons of past outbreaks.
“We should learn from the mistakes of the past, particularly during the COVID pandemic, and strive to do better. That means not repeating those missteps but instead collating and applying the best practices we developed and witnessed, especially from the healthcare professionals and LGUs who were on the frontlines during that time,” he further said.
“Early detection and transparent reporting remain the strongest defenses against emerging health threats. I call on our authorities to continue refining surveillance tools and ensuring that frontline personnel are equipped with updated protocols,”the senator added.
Escudero likewise emphasized the importance of clear and consistent public advisories to curb misinformation and maintain public confidence. Calm, factual communication, he noted, helps citizens understand risks without panic and reinforces trust in institutions. “As global health landscapes shift, the Philippines must stay one step ahead,” he further said.*
