AS the country continues to manage a significant number of flu-like cases, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go stresses the importance of maintaining vigilance and complying with health protocols, including the voluntary use of face masks whenever possible.

In an interview after attending the groundbreaking of the Super Health Center in Malabon City, Go addressed the public’s concern about the rising cases in China and its implications for the country.

“Huwag tayong maging kumpiyansa… Kung hindi naman po sagabal sa parte ninyo, magsuot pa rin tayo ng face mask,” said Go.

He encouraged the voluntary use of face masks, saying, “Kung nagawa nating mag-face mask sa dalawang taon, ngayon pa na hindi naman po mandatory.”

The Department of Health (DOH) is currently not advising the implementation of border controls in response to the recent surge in respiratory illnesses reported in China. The rise in respiratory cases in Beijing, predominantly among children, has been noticeable since mid-October. Additionally, in November, there have been reports of clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in several children’s hospitals in China.

Meanwhile, Go also highlighted the government’s efforts to provide accessible healthcare, particularly for early disease detection.

“Nandiyan naman po ang mga Malasakit Centers, mga DOH hospitals, mga government hospitals, even private hospitals. Nandiyan din po ang inyong Super Health Center. Kaya nga po may Super Health Center para diyan na po gagawin ang mga early disease detection,” he remarked.

“Pangalagaan natin ang ating kalusugan. Nananawagan din po ako sa DOH to closely monitor itong pagtataas ng kaso ng flu at ng situation po sa ibang bansa. Huwag nating hayaan na magkaproblema po muli tayo, bumalik tayo sa pagsasara ng ating ekonomiya. ‘Wag naman po sana,” he said.

When asked about reinstating the mandatory wearing of face masks, Go said “Sa ngayon hindi pa naman po siguro. My personal assessment hindi pa naman, pero ingat pa rin. Kaya nga po ine-engganyo ko kayo, bagama’t hindi po mandatory ay suot pa rin kayo ng face mask.

Natutuwa ako may mga kababayan tayo na nagsusuot pa rin ng face mask. Nandiyan pa rin ang banta ng mga virus kaya huwag tayong maging kumpiyansa.”

“Pwede rin po tayong mag-conduct ng hearing kung kakailanganin po, anytime po ako dyan, kung kailangan natin silang pakinggan, kailangan nating tignan kung ano po ang kanilang plano o preparasyon dito po sa pagtaas ng kaso ng sakit. And I’m sure ginagawa naman ng ating DOH ang kanilang trabaho sa Executive kasama ang mga doctor at mga medical frontliners natin,” said Go.

On Tuesday, the DOH announced its heightened vigilance against new pathogens amid a rise in influenza-like illnesses across the Philippines. Health Undersecretary Eric Tayag revealed that the country has recorded approximately 190,000 cases of such illnesses this year.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the DOH noted that these cases have begun to stabilize, as indicated by the latest data from ongoing surveillance efforts.