Chiz urges health, border authorities to keep protocols and preparedness fully active vs. Nipah

Amid increasing global concern over the Nipah virus, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero called on health and border authorities to sustain strict vigilance and ensure that the country’s preparedness systems remain fully operational.

Escudero said that while current health advisories classify the Philippines as low risk, developments in nearby regions highlight the need for sustained and proactive monitoring. “Public safety depends not only on rapid response but on continuous readiness,” he stressed, noting that several Asian countries have already tightened airport health checks following recent Nipah-related developments abroad.

He emphasized that the Philippines must maintain the same level of alertness to protect travelers and local communities. The Nipah virus, first detected in Malaysia in 1998, has recently resurfaced in India, where authorities are implementing localized containment measures and expanded contact tracing. Outbreaks have also been reported in Bangladesh, prompting heightened regional surveillance.

The veteran lawmaker urged the Department of Health and the Bureau of Quarantine to keep border health protocols fully activated, including thermal scanning, symptom monitoring, and the issuance of clear guidance for arriving passengers. These measures, he said, are essential to preventing the entry and spread of high-risk pathogens. He also highlighted the importance of strong inter-agency coordination among health authorities, transport agencies, and local government units. “Preparedness is never the work of a single office. It is a shared responsibility that requires synchronized systems, updated data, and timely communication,” he stressed.

The Bicolano senator added that the government should have already internalized the lessons from previous outbreaks. “We should learn from the mistakes of the past, particularly during the COVID pandemic, and strive to do better. That means not repeating those missteps but instead collating and applying the best practices we developed and witnessed, especially from the healthcare professionals and LGUs who were on the frontlines during that time,” he said.

“Early detection and transparent reporting remain the strongest defenses against emerging health threats. I call on our authorities to continue refining surveillance tools and ensuring that frontline personnel are equipped with updated protocols,” Escudero added. He also underscored the importance of clear and consistent public advisories to counter misinformation and sustain public confidence. Calm and factual communication, he noted, enables citizens to understand risks without panic and reinforces trust in institutions. “As global health landscapes shift, the Philippines must stay one step ahead,” he concluded.