The Department of Health (DOH) expressed hope that President Duterte will push for the creation of the country's Center for Disease Control (CDC) in his last State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 26.
DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that they are hopeful that Duterte will urge the lawmakers to approve the CDC measure.
"Ang isa pong gusto namin talagang i-push (What we really wanted to push), which is now with the Congress and Senate, would be the Philippine CDC--this is the Center for Disease Control," said Vergeire on Saturday, July 24.
Vergeire said that the Philippine CDC will be helpful in responding to other possible health threats.
"Ito ang mag-i-integrate at saka magpapalakas ng ating mga sistema kapag may mga public health emergency (This will integrate and strengthen our systems during public health emergencies)," she said.
"Ito po ay magbibigay din ng kaukulang mga appropriate cadres of healthcare workers, technical experts, at saka mga scientists dito sa Philippine CDC na ito para makatulong for future responses in times of pandemic(It will also provide appropriate cadres of healthcare workers, technical experts, and scientists to assist for future responses in times of pandemic)," she added.
President Duterte will be delivering his last SONA at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on July 26.