Sec. Andanar stresses importance of national, local gov't coordination

Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (CODE) Team members visit Cabuyao City in Laguna to discuss issues and concerns to combat COVID-19. (STTPIA4A)

CABUYAO CITY, Laguna, Aug. 15 (PIA)-- Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary vital role of the national government's coordination with local chief executives in order to combat COVID-19 during the Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (CODE) Team's visit in Cabuyao City, Laguna.

Sec. Andanar, who was recently assigned by the National Task Force against COVID-19 as the cabinet secretary overseeing Laguna Province, stated that prior to the CODE visit in Cabuyao, Laguna Governor Ramil Hernandez and Department of Health Calabarzon Regional Director Eduardo Janairo has briefed him of the province's COVID-19 situation.

"He (Gov. Hernandez) stressed the importance of 5 places, the 5 cities and municipality that are highly affected by COVDI-19, Ito po ang Biñan, Sta. Rosa, San Pedro, Calamba at itong ating mahal na siyudad, ito pong Cabuyao. Kaya po kami nandito ngayon sa pangunguna ng ating NTF czar, si Secretary Vince Dizon," Sec, Andanar stated.

Sec. Andanar emphasized that it is important for the national government to have close coordination with local chief executives such as governors and mayors due to their knowledge of the grassroots level.

"Nabanggit po sa akin ni Gov. Ramil na ang problema dito sa Cabuyao at sa apat pang lugar ay ang coordination ng industries. Kasi nabanggit ni Gov. na nasa 60 to 70% percent ng cases ay nagmumula sa mga industries at nahihirapan magcoordinate ang mga industries (sa mga barangay)," he added.

The secretary then added that it would be important for LGUs to have a mechanism for flawless coordination and communications with his office, and Secretary Dizon's citing civil society groups who have applications which may be utilized for this.

""Let me stress the importance of communication. Napakahalaga po na magkaroon tayo ng isang accurate at response-able na pamamaraan na mag-share ng information"

Secretary Andanar added that with the various sources in social media, there are times where citizens no longer know what to believe. He adds that fake news disrupts the workflow of both the national and local governments.

"Kaya kailangan bantayan natin ang ating mga communication portals at wag tayong mananawa sa pagpapaalala sa ating mga constituents na sundin lang ho natin ang mga maasahang information dissemination portals ng gobyerno at mga private media na mapapagkatiwalaan," Secretary Andanar added.

The Secretary also thanked media partners who have worked hand-in-hand with the PCOO in its Laging Handa Network Briefings in delivering accurate information from the government to the public.

"Let us turn things around in Laguna. At alam kong kayang-kaya natin dahil alam kong masisipag kayong lahat at ang mga taga-Laguna ay di papayag na tayo ang nangunguna sa COVID-19 threat," concluded the Secretary.

Secretary Andanar and Secretary Vince Dizon were joined by, Department of the Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, Philippine Information Agency Undersecretary Ramon Cualoping III, PCOO Assistant Secretary Kris Ablan, Cabuyao City Mayor Atty. Rommel Gecolea and Vice Mayor Atty. Leif Lopiña among other national and regional officials. (PIA4A)

source https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1050393