‘SARS War’ takes off in QC

The Quezon City government and the Quezon City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCCI) launched yesterday SARS War, a massive information drive to combat the threat of the dreaded Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

The information drive which is also supported by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), the Department of Health and the World Health Organization would be replicated in other key cities of the country, organizers said.

QCCCI president Nathan Zulueta, said the info drive was launched in support of President Arroyo’s call to local government officials and the private sector to join hands in the effort to prevent the spread of the disease.

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte earlier mobilized city health and barangay workers in monitoring suspected SARS cases.

Zulueta said the QCCCI has joined in the battle against SARS to help disseminate information on the deadly disease.

"We hope to guide the public not only to be ready for the war but also to help other people join the soldier of humankind against the killer pneumonia" he said.

During yesterday’s forum, barangay officials were briefed on the threat a SARS outbreak posed to communities. Thousands of leaflets, posters and information material on SARS will be distributed in several Quezon City barangays.

Later on the materials will also be shipped to other areas in the country.

He said similar forums will be held in key cities in the country as the QCCCI, PCSO and the Lakas Pinoy movement widens its battle against the disease.

Solar Cable TV will continuously air SARS updates from WHO.

The Lakas Pinoy Movement, a non-government organization advocating the cause of Small Business Enterprises will mobilize officers in 12 region to support the SARS War being waged nationwide. – Perseus Echeminada