A welcome move
JUST more than five months before his six-year presidency ends, President Rodrigo Duterte issued a proclamation that reflects concern over the spread of infectious diseases in the Philippines.
Without doubt, no well-meaning Filipino will argue when outgoing President Duterte allotted more land for the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) in Muntinlupa City.
An attached agency of the Department of Health (DOH), it is one of the major agencies mandated to develop strategies for controlling the spread of infectious diseases in the country.
Likewise, RITM conducts researches for contagious and tropical diseases and develops diagnostic techniques, and effective and efficient strategies for the control of these illnesses.
Signed on January 6, Proclamation No. 1276 sets aside a 9,000-square meter portion of the Alabang Stock Farm property in Muntinlupa City for building additional structures.
Aware of the ongoing fight against COVID-19, the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) had earlier recommended the issuance of the proclamation.
Duterte instructed DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu, a former military general, to execute a deed of conveyance, transferring the ownership of the property in favor of the RITM.
Various quarters lauded the Chief Executive’s move, citing the RITM’s crucial role as the primary center for COVID-19 testing and vaccine storage facility in this impoverished nation.
In the view of many, President Duterte has not shown any sign of backing off from his commitment to ensure the health, safety and well-being of the Filipino people.
Ito ay kahit na patapos na ang kanyang anim na taong panunungkulan bilang Pangulo ng bansa.
