Parañaque steps up anti-bird flu drive

Parañaque Mayor Jun Bernabe yesterday ordered the city’s Avian Flu Task Force to accelerate the implementation of its anti-bird flu preparedness and protection plan, following reports of fresh avian influenza outbreaks in Asia.

Bernabe’s concern also stems from the fact that in the past few years, migratory birds have periodically found their way into two bird sanctuaries in Parañaque, which the local tourism office has been promoting as a tourist spot.

Until recently, two bird havens — a seven-hectare reclaimed area off the coasts of Barangays La Huerta and Tambo and a marshy area in Barangay Moonwalk — were favorite convergence points, especially on weekends, by various bird watching and camera clubs.

Bernabe, in his order, told lead agencies and departments under the task force to equip its personnel and volunteers with necessary protective gears.

He specifically instructed the City Health Office, headed by Dr. Olga Virtusio, and the Parañaque Agriculture Office, under Petra Petronilo, to procure the necessary Personnel Protective Equipment for employees tasked to monitor and inspect the two bird sanctuaries.

"Right now, the Philippines remains the only country in Southeast Asia that has been certified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as bird flu-free," Bernabe said.

"But with the bird flu outbreaks in this part of the region creeping dangerously closer to the country, it’s just a matter of time before it hits us. Better be prepared than be sorry later," he adds.

In an earlier report, Virtusio said the Public Estates Authority (PEA), which owns the reclaimed area in Barangay Tambo and La Huerta has given its permission to allow city health and agricultural workers to enter and inspect the birds within the sanctuary.

The PEA has also allowed the local city health office to install warning signs prohibiting the entry of unauthorized persons in the area.

According to Virtusio, signs have been put up and shall remain in place until the city health office issues an advisory.

Bernabe has likewise approved the formation of five technical teams that would be in the forefront of the bird flu preparedness campaign.