QuestionsQuestions (OP Administrative Order No. 10)
It is an Executive issuancedirecting the creation of the Philippine Inter-Agency Committee on Zoonoses (PhilCZ), an inter-agency mechanism composed of the DOH, DA, DENR and their respective agencies.
The PhilCZ is composed of the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture (DA), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The Secretary of each serves as Chairperson on a two-year rotational basis.
Examples include (any three) National Center for Disease Prevention and Control (NCDPC), Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS), National Epidemiology Center (NEC), National Center for Health Promotion (NCHP), National Center for Health Facilities Development (NCHFD), Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), and Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).
The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) is specifically mentioned as a DA agency member of the PhilCZ.
The Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) is identified as the DENR bureau member.
To (1) develop a national strategy on prevention, control and elimination of zoonoses, and (2) establish a functional and sustainable mechanism to strengthen the animal-human interface for effective prevention, control, and elimination of zoonotic diseases.
It is intended to synergize the strengths and capabilities of concerned government departments for efficient control of zoonoses, including fostering cooperation and exchange of advice between animal and human health sectors.
Examples (any five) include: ensuring consistency with the National Strategic Work Plan; reviewing and developing policies/programs/guidelines; developing coordinated capacity-building; fostering cooperation and commitments; providing recommendations in crises/epidemics; recommending research priorities and ensuring dissemination; organizing a pool of experts; coordinating with other sectors/organizations; and monitoring and evaluating implementation.
The DOH serves as Chairperson and Secretariat for the first two (2) years, with the DA as Vice-Chairperson.
First biennium: DOH Chair/Secretariat; DA Vice-Chair. Second biennium: DA Chair/Secretariat; DENR Vice-Chair. Third biennium: DENR Chair/Secretariat; DOH Vice-Chair. (Then the pattern continues as prescribed by rotation among the departments.)
DOH is the lead agency for humans. It conducts proactive response on food safety, sanitation and vector control, and adopts appropriate measures in health facilities upon PhilCZ recommendation to prevent/control zoonotic diseases.
DA is the lead agency. It conducts proactive response on food safety, sanitation, vector control, proper disposal of animals, and adopts appropriate measures in animal facilities (e.g., farms, slaughterhouses, markets, feed establishments, drug/biologics outlets) upon PhilCZ recommendation.
DENR is designated as lead agency for zoonotic diseases in wild fauna.
Examples (any three): develop/disseminate policies, guidelines and issuances; provide epidemiologic data; provide accurate and timely information to target audiences; undertake research and ensure dissemination; and serve as chairperson, vice-chairperson and secretariat of the committee.
The Secretaries of Agriculture, Health, and Environment and Natural Resources must provide guidelines for operationalizing the PhilCZ through a Joint Administrative Order and promulgate necessary rules and regulations consistent with the Order’s purpose and intent.
Each concerned department must appropriate at least P2,000,000 annually for the operations of the PhilCZ.
It provides that if any provision is declared unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected will remain valid and effective.
All orders, rules, regulations, and issuances, or parts thereof, inconsistent with the Administrative Order are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
It takes effect immediately.