By Chito Chavez
After being tested positive for the novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año remains at the helm in the operation of the agency.
DILG Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya assured this on Wednesday, April 1, a day after Año made public his health condition.
DILG Secretary Eduardo Año (Photo from Philippine Information Agency / MANILA BULLETIN)
“We wish to assure the public that the Secretary is fully in charge and that the operations of the entire Department including the interior sector -- the PNP (Philippine National Police), BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection), and the BJMP (Bureau of Jail Management and Penology) -- will not in any way be affected by this development," Malaya said.
Meanwhile, senior officials of the DILG including Malaya went on self-quarantine after Año announced his positive COVID-19 test result.
"Senior officials of the Department who were in close contact with the Secretary, including myself, are now in self-quarantine and will observe symptoms in accordance with DOH (Department of Health) protocols," he added.
Despite Año’s predicament, Malaya assured the public that the operation of the DILG would continue and remain as efficient.
He added Año, despite being on home quarantine, has been in communication with President Duterte, the senior officials of the DILG, and other government agencies under the department.
"The Secretary will harness the newest technology to communicate, give instructions, and will get the job done," Malaya said.
He said the entire agency has joined the nation in praying for the speedy recovery of Año, who is the vice chairman of the national action plan meant to reinforce efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.
He also urged the DILG officials to double their efforts in fighting COVID-19 as Luzon enters the third week of the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine.
"As frontliners in this war, the public depends on us to be relentless in this battle to ensure their safety and well-being," Malaya said.
"As we gear towards providing the largest direct financial assistance to poor families in the history of our country, the DILG will be there to support our partner agencies and monitor local government units," he concluded. (Chito A. Chavez)
DILG Secretary Eduardo Año (Photo from Philippine Information Agency / MANILA BULLETIN)
“We wish to assure the public that the Secretary is fully in charge and that the operations of the entire Department including the interior sector -- the PNP (Philippine National Police), BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection), and the BJMP (Bureau of Jail Management and Penology) -- will not in any way be affected by this development," Malaya said.
Meanwhile, senior officials of the DILG including Malaya went on self-quarantine after Año announced his positive COVID-19 test result.
"Senior officials of the Department who were in close contact with the Secretary, including myself, are now in self-quarantine and will observe symptoms in accordance with DOH (Department of Health) protocols," he added.
Despite Año’s predicament, Malaya assured the public that the operation of the DILG would continue and remain as efficient.
He added Año, despite being on home quarantine, has been in communication with President Duterte, the senior officials of the DILG, and other government agencies under the department.
"The Secretary will harness the newest technology to communicate, give instructions, and will get the job done," Malaya said.
He said the entire agency has joined the nation in praying for the speedy recovery of Año, who is the vice chairman of the national action plan meant to reinforce efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.
He also urged the DILG officials to double their efforts in fighting COVID-19 as Luzon enters the third week of the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine.
"As frontliners in this war, the public depends on us to be relentless in this battle to ensure their safety and well-being," Malaya said.
"As we gear towards providing the largest direct financial assistance to poor families in the history of our country, the DILG will be there to support our partner agencies and monitor local government units," he concluded. (Chito A. Chavez)