Mission: Zero Deaths

THE Department of Health’s report identifying Pangasinan as the province with the highest incidence of rabies, from bites to fatalities, in the country appears incongruous. Worse, the rise in deaths due to leptospirosis and dengue has become alarming.

Who would have thought that after earning accolades and citations from various government agencies for successful initiatives in many fields, Pangasineses would earn the ignominy of being reckless if not ignorant about the dangers and risks of the rabies virus, dengue and leptospirosis.

Something very wrong happened and continues to happen. One is inclined to ask – Where did the health offices of city and municipal governments fail? Where did the provincial government fail?

It’s obvious that the shortcomings in health care can only be attributed to failure of governance in the barangays. There has been no conscious effort to monitor health and sanitation problems and to communicate these to their city/municipal health authorities that are fully equipped for these ailments.

Deaths from rabies, dengue and leptospirosis can be avoided. In fact, mayors can boldly aim for zero deaths if they only put their hearts into their constituents’ welfare.  Mission: Zero Deaths, anyone?

Americans again

ALMOST everything new is not usually fondly accepted that easily.  This adage was proven anew following President Duterte’s firm stand to rid Mindanao, if not the entire Philippines, of America’s military presence. Not surprisingly enough, the President’s position immediately drew surprise, if not shock, from a nation wrapped mostly in fiercely pro-American sentiments. But instead of praise heaped on the President for his patriotism and sovereign will, critics ganged up on him.  Again, they are misguided.  Finally, we have a President speaking solely and absolutely in the interest of the Filipino, brushing aside, if not thoroughly demolishing, colonial mentality prevalent for so long.  That’s why notice that he’s been busying himself visiting the country’s military camps—the soldiers being the most vulnerable to be swayed by America’s corrupted superiority complex.

Please proceed, Mr. President, minus the cussing.

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