Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 369)
The Department of Health (DOH) is the lead agency responsible for the implementation of the Filariasis Mass Treatment Month campaign every November starting in 2004.
The DOH calls upon the Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of National Defense, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Local Government Units/Organizations, and Philippine Information Agency to assist.
The main strategy is through Mass Treatment using a combination of Diethylcarbamazine Citrate (DEC) and Albendazole annually for five years.
The DILG must issue and disseminate memorandum circulars to local chief executives, mobilize field offices, and assist in supervising and monitoring filariasis mass treatment activities to ensure high coverage in endemic communities.
DepEd ensures high mass treatment coverage in public and private schools by informing parents/guardians and mobilizing medical teams to conduct treatment in coordination with LGUs, by issuing appropriate circulars.
DSWD ensures that all targeted populations under their supervision in endemic areas (aged 2 years and above) receive treatment drugs, issues appropriate circulars, and assists in advocacy and social mobilization.
LGUs lead local implementation; encourage every family member aged 2 years and above to take treatment drugs; allocate resources including supportive drugs; conduct advocacy and social mobilization; pass necessary local ordinances and resolutions; and submit treatment coverage reports.
Yes, they are encouraged to assist through information dissemination, social mobilization, recruiting volunteers, providing donations, and other means to contribute to the campaign's success.
The Executive Order took effect immediately upon its approval on October 5, 2004.