A small cluster of Cabinet secretaries will be created to oversee government efforts in looking after the health of the people as well as the local economy amid the threat posed by the new coronavirus.
As the government moves to curb the spread of the respiratory illness, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the new Cabinet group includes the Secretaries of Health, Trade, Tourism, Finance, and Communications and Techonology.
“We really need to manage the situation. We really need to make sure na everybody safe and secure,” he said.
“Gagawa na kami ng cluster para regularly pag-usapan natin ‘yung mga ibang implications ng nCoV na ito in terms sa iba’t-ibang aspeto tulad ng health, trade, tourism, ekonomiya ng bansa. So, mino-monitor namin ito nang masinsinan and we’ll make the proper adjustments para hindi naman matamaan masyado ‘yung iba’t-ibang aspeto natin in terms of the whole area of governance,” he said.
Nograles recognized that the government must conduct regular health bulletins about the coronavirus as well as keep tabs on its potential impact on trade and tourism.
He said they would also study the fiscal and monetary tools needed to counter any adverse economic effects of the illness.
“Gawa rin tayo ng mga programa to assist any industry that may become distressed due to this fallout ng novel coronavirus,” he added.
He said there must be close coordination among the Office of the President and other concerned government agencies to ensure continued assessment and corresponding proper action. (Genalyn Kabiling)
