US CDC opens new country office in Philippines
MANILA, Philippines — The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) opened this month a new country office in the Philippines to advance increased health security in Asia, the US Embassy in Manila said.
Through its new office in Manila, the CDC will strengthen and expand its existing cooperation with the Department of Health to prevent and control diseases, and strengthen public health emergency preparedness and response. The CDC is the public health agency of the United States.
“With the opening of the US CDC Philippines country office, we are further reinforcing the long-standing health and human services partnership between our two countries and our work together to build a healthier world,” said Loyce Pace, assistance secretary for global affairs of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Dr. Romel Lacson will serve as the CDC’s first country director for the Philippines. He will implement CDC-supported health programs and lead the agency’s peer-to-peer relationship with the DOH.
“In this new era, partnership is more essential than ever. We must be willing to take on challenges together and create opportunities together. This is why the launch of this office and our work together is so important,” Lacson said.
The CDC will also provide the DOH with technical assistance and support services to intensify the country’s HIV and tuberculosis prevention, treatment and care efforts, and to slow the twin epidemics. In the last four years, the Philippines experienced the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in the Southeast Asia/Pacific region, with a sevenfold increase in newly-diagnosed cases from 2010 to 2018.
The DOH and the HHS also signed a memorandum of understanding on increasing collaboration between the Philippines and the US on public health emergency and response, prevention and control of vaccine-preventable and communicable disease, and the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases.
The DOH is pushing for the creation of the country’s own CDC, which will be tasked to develop and maintain an integrated surveillance system of diseases, injuries, and disabilities.
A thread of notable updates on the Philippines' bilateral relations with the United States. — Main image from FPRI
The US government provides more than P450 million ($8 million) additional funding to strengthen the disaster preparedness and response in vulnerable communities in the Philippines.
This was provided through the US agency for International Development.
According to the US Embassy, the additional funding is eyed to enhance the typhoon preparedness and develop resilient livelihood strategies in disaster prone areas such as the Bicol, CARAGA and Eastern Visayas region.
"It will also fund partnerships with the private sector to help ensure the continuity of businesses and other critical services, such as energy and water, after disasters," the embassy reports. — Rosette Adel
United States of America President Joe Biden is celebrating the Filipino American History Month.
Biden issues a message dedicated to the Filipino-American community.
"Jill and I are thrilled to celebrate Filipino American History Month, honoring the rich heritage and traditions of millions of Filipino Americans. To our Filipino American community: Thank you for all you do to ensure our nation continues to be the land of opportunity," he says.
U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson reports that BRP Valentin Diaz and BRP Ladislao Diwa joined the Philippine Navy fleet to boost the Armed Forces of the Philippines' capabilities to defend the Philippines' rights in the West Philippine Sea.
"The U.S. supported this modernization effort through foreign military financing assistance," she says.
U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson shares a photo with U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth in her Manila office.
In a tweet, Carlson welcomes Duckworth.
"Looking forward to important discussions with Filipino #FriendsPartnersAllies on our strong bilateral ties and economic cooperation. #PartnersInProsperity," the tweet reads.
Honored to welcome @SenDuckworth to the Philippines! Looking forward to important discussions with Filipino #FriendsPartnersAllies on our strong ???????????????? bilateral ties and economic cooperation. #PartnersInProsperity pic.twitter.com/kFgFYrFKAe
— Ambassador MaryKay L. Carlson (@USAmbPH) August 7, 2023
United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III's reaffirms the United States and Philippines' "commitment to standing shoulder-to-shoulder as allies to bring greater security, prosperity, and stability to the Indo-Pacific region and beyond" in a call with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
During the call, Austin says there are opportunities for the two countries to coordinate more closely with like-minded partners such as Japan and Australia "to ensure the region's shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific continues to thrive."
Austin and Teodory agree to meet in person to discuss the defense and security priorities of the Philippines and U.S.
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