GOVERNOR Amado I. Espino III appealed to both private and public sectors, particularly barangay officials to consciously unite in purpose to help control the spread of COVID-19 in the province.

Espino made the appeal during the Stakeholders Consultative Meeting held on July 22 in Lingayen.

He stressed to the sectoral representatives that the pandemic can never be eradicated but efforts must be made to control the pandemic through joint and collaborative efforts of the government, line agencies, and the private sector.

He warned that the number of cases will continue to increase if there are no conscious efforts to monitor and help each other.

Expressing deep concern on the growing cases, the governor gave his assurance that the provincial government will do all possible to minimize the burden on the people.

“Kung kaya natin doblehin o triplehin ang trabaho natin dito ay gagawin po natin,” he said, adding, “Ang pagpunta n’yo dito ay dagdag inspirasyon para sa ating lahat,”  Espino said.

Meanwhile, Provincial Health Officer Anna De Guzman, gave an update on the measures initiated by the provincial government, among them the conduct of the Expanded Targeting Testing (mass testing) and the establishment of the Molecular Laboratory which is expected to open on October with the permission of the Department of Health (DOH).

De Guzman explained that the mass testing is a response to the DOH Memo 2020-0258 that directed LGUs to test at least 1.5 % to 2 % of the total population, or 45,000 to 60,000 persons.

The first round of mass testing was conducted last May 5 until June 11 while the second round was held from June 18 and still on-going as of July 21.

She reported that as of July 23, 168 confirmed cases (Pangasinan-135 and Dagupan City-33) were registered. Of this number, 106 recovered while 52 are still confined. Ten (10) deaths were recorded.

She pointed out that there are still 10 towns with zero case of COVID-19: Bolinao, Anda, Dasol, Aguilar, Alcala, Mangaldan, Mapandan, Villasis, Balungao, and Tayug.

She added that according to Department of Health COVID-19 case tracker dated July 19, Pangasinan posted the least number of positive cases stated that among the largest provinces in the country.

The consultation was attended by Liga ng mga Barangay Presidents in Pangasinan, members of the Association of Municipal/City Health Officers, members of the Inter-Local Health Zones, Philippine Medical Society, Bureau of Fire Protection personnel, and members of the Phil. Academy of Family Physicians.

Topics discussed during the event were: Status of Isolation and Quarantine Facilities in Pangasinan by Dr. Susan Rita Pamintuan-Meriño, Proper Disposal of Human Remains Due to COVID-19 by Dr. Cielo Almoite, and Provincial Status Report by Dr. Anna Maria Teresa De Guzman. (PIO/RRB)

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