MANILA, Philippines — A P5 billion budget should be allotted annually for pandemic preparedness and response to ensure that the country is equipped to address future health emergency crises, a lawmaker proposed Monday. Bagong Henerasyon party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera said that the budget would ensure adequate financing of the capabilities and infrastructure needed to prevent, identify, contain and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. Herrera said the budget for pandemic preparedness and response should be a “permanent fixture” in the annual General Appropriations Act, adding that providing funding for such would end the “vicious cycle of panic and neglect” following an outbreak. Citing a World Bank study, Herrera pointed out that pandemic preparedness is relatively inexpensive and affordable compared to its socioeconomic impacts. As of July 19, there are 67,456 COVID-19 cases in the country, with 22,465 recoveries and 1,831 deaths.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 20, 2020 05:15 UTC