Cebu sets aside P10.6-M for anti-SARS campaign

Cebu Governor Pablo Garcia has earmarked P10.6 million for the anti-Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)campaign despite the absence of SARS in the province.

Garcia yesterday gave P200,000 to each of the 47 municipalities and P300,000 to each of the four component cities of the province for their respective anti-SARS campaign.

The governor likewise urged the different local government units in the province to declare their area under a state of calamity for them to be able to utilize the calamity fund, which is equivalent to five percent of their annual budget.

The move came even if the Department of Health (DOH) said that there is no local transmission of the virus in Cebu.

Garcia said that under the law all local government units can declare a state of calamity even before the catastrophe.

"The calamity does not have to come before we start preparing for it. The threat of SARS is real," Garcia said, adding that LGUs can use the amount for the cleanliness drive in their respective jurisdiction to prevent SARS.

DOH regional epidemiologist Juanito Zuasula reported during the SARS summit yesterday that out of the 11 persons they have monitored for possible SARS infection only the case of the flight attendant fit the known symptoms of SARS.

Zuasula added that the flight attendant has already recovered and has been discharged from the North General Hospital where she was confined.

Garcia also issued yesterday Executive Order 2003-06, creating the Task Force On SARS Free Cebu.

The governor has appointed provincial health officer Antonio Villamor as Task Force coordinator with all the mayors as members. Garcia said the task force will monitor, control and undertake pro-active measures to prevent SARS incidence in the province. – Freeman News Service