President Ferdinand Marcos on Friday urged local government leaders to take stronger action on waste management to safeguard public health.
Speaking at the Local Governance Summit 2024, Mr. Marcos emphasized the role of solid waste management in preventing floods, like what happened during Super Typhoon Carina and the surge of leptospirosis and dengue cases thereafter.
“Local chief executives must work harder to utilize environmentally-sound methods and waste minimization measures to protect public health and of course, our environment,” the President said.
He also urged local governments to lead public health campaigns on promoting hygiene and discouraging swimming in floodwaters, which can spread diseases like leptospirosis and Mpox.
Earlier this week, the President ordered agencies to continue monitoring areas and people most vulnerable to Mpox.
Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said there is no public emergency concerning Mpox due to its low case numbers and fatality rate.
He emphasized that Mpox is not airborne and is only transmitted through intimate or skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or contaminated materials.
Moreover, the President highlighted the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s KALINISAN Program, encouraging continued LGU participation in efforts to improve waste management and ensure a safer environment.
