Written by JP Carlos
The concern
about Ebola is a worldwide issue. Some
countries are unfortunate enough to have this virus plaguing their
population. Moreover, containing and
controlling this pathogen is a challenge not only for these countries but for
the whole world. This is why measures to
prevent its entry into the Philippines (and other countries) have been
rigorous. However, the recent events in
the Philippines have spawned doubts on the competence of the people safekeeping the Filipinos from Ebola.
It seems
like a joke to hear officials visiting Ebola quarantine areas without
protective gear. But that is what
officials did recently. Don’t they know
the idea of quarantine? Is it mere
stupidity that they did such a foolish move?
Well, that is how some people roll here in the Philippines. Of course, the visit by the officials was
documented with the press along with the trip.
I can’t help but think that this is just another publicity stunt to get
media mileage. Well, it did – but probably
not in the way they thought it would be.
Earlier
today I heard in the news that a couple of Filipino overseas workers arrived in
the Philippines from Sierra Leone, A place known to have Ebola. Of course they were quarantined. But hearing the news at the conditions of the
quarantine areas is just detestable. The
facilities they are now housed in Is just pathetic. First, toilets don’t even flush. Second, they are expected to clean their own
quarters and yet there are no cleaning materials for them to use. Not even a broom to sweep the floor. Third, they are not allowed to go out to buy
food and that is understandable. However,
only thing they got to eat after a long flight was a cup of coffee and
bread. Just imagine enduring this ordeal
for 21 days!
A rapid
response team was sent to aid the Filipino overseas workers. That is a great move in the part of the Philippine
government. What’s really amazing is
that they were sent out to help the countrymen around 2 weeks ago. But until today, the Rapid response Team has
not arrived at their destination. This is
not some expedition to the moon!. It is
still on this planet. Reports have said
that the team is still at Morocco awaiting officials from the Department of
Health. And according to the news, these
officials have not left the country.
What is irritating is that this rapid response team has daily allowance
for doing nothing. And here’s the
kicker, they have yet to secure visas to enter Sierra Leone!
Forgive me
if I think that the Philippines response to the Ebola crisis is a big
joke. It lacks coordination, planning
and common sense. Unless I see something
more productive and practical, I am forced to believe that the people behind safekeeping
the country from Ebola is not competent enough to do their jobs.
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