In the spirit of public service, the College of Public Health (CPH) has participated in various initiatives responding to the COVID-19 situation in the Philippines by collaborating with other units in the University, the Department of Health (DOH), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and other national agencies, World Health Organization (WHO), and local government units (LGUs).” Significantly also and in keeping with its role as the SEAMEO TROPMED Regional Centre for Public Health, Hospital Administration, and Environmental and Occupational Health, CPH has cooperated with counterpart Southeast Asian institutions on similar initiatives.

UP CPH is represented in policy discussions such as in the DOH COVID-19 Technical Advisory Group and the UP COVID-19 Response Team, which directly provide technical inputs that shape the decisions being made by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF). It has also contributed to policy statements on the COVID-19 response that is generated by the University, LGUs, civil society organizations, and coalition networks.

Setting up of community-based isolation units (CIUs) in support of the CHED and selected LGUs has also been a priority. Facilities of state universities and colleges have been made available to serve as CIUs. In support of this undertaking, CPH assisted the Commission in developing guidelines for SUCs and LGUs, consistent with DOH guidelines. 

CPH currently hosts the graduate training in public health of physicians under DOH’s Doctors to the Barrios Program. In solidarity with students and colleagues who are in LGUs nationwide, CPH faculty have provided support by facilitating response to their needs for personal protective equipment (PPE) and other forms of support, through linkages with DOH, other national agencies, the private sector, and other units of the University, especially UP Cebu. Working closely with the WHO Philippine Office and the DOH Epidemiology Bureau, CPH’s technical assistance in the field of epidemiology is contributing to strengthen the DOH’s surveillance and data analytics. 

Moreover, CPH co-convened the Public Health Communications Advocacy Network, which closely collaborates with DOH health promotion efforts. Its Information Committee also amplifies key messages issued by the DOH and WHO. CPH faculty have also partnered with professional societies as resource persons in webinars and mass media.

These efforts are carried out alongside other initiatives within the University, including participation in the Bayanihan Na! Operations Center of the Philippine General Hospital. Finally, it also collaborates with counterpart Southeast Asian institutions in keeping with its role as a SEAMEO TROPMED Regional Centre. 

Peter James Abad | Published in Healthscape Special COVID-19 Issue No. 3