I had a meeting via Zoom with Laguna Governor Ramil Hernandez last night, August 14, 2020, to discuss the COVID-19 situation in the province of Laguna.

This was our first meeting following the issuance of IATF-EID Resolution No. 62 designating Cabinet members to provide stronger support to local government units (LGU) in terms of strict monitoring of health system performance, critical care capacity, and stringent compliance in surveillance, isolation, and treatment protocols.

Governor Hernandez, along with Dr. Eduardo Janairo from the Department of Health (DOH) CALABARZON office, briefed me about the COVID-19 situation in Laguna, including the current efforts and challenges faced by the national and local government units, and the areas where we can work together in fighting the virus and mitigating its impacts.

We discussed the importance of having a well-coordinated contact tracing strategy among affected barangays and industrial parks. We also recognized that while the stability of medical supplies is vital in protecting ourselves from the virus, the disposition of these medical commodities is equally important.

The Governor also cited the big help that the provincial government has been receiving from the national government while we explore how we can provide further assistance to the province.

Their presentation was very insightful for us to understand the situation in their province and will help in crafting the government’s next action plan for Laguna.

Furthermore, we are here to commit ourselves in facilitating, with the provincial government and the National Task Force on COVID-19, the efforts in controlling and managing the transmission rate and effects of COVID-19.

We are committed to supporting the local government units in Laguna and we will continue to engage the provincial government in monitoring the progress of the province as we assist them towards their full recovery. Together, we will heal and rise as one nation.

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