Ex-DOH chief Garin urges gov't: Provide free face masks for Undas 2025 exodus

As thousands of travelers are expected to take public transportation and visit cemeteries for All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, House Deputy Speaker and former health secretary Janette Garin on Tuesday called on the government to provide free face masks and vaccines to the public.

"Mahirap ang buhay ngayon (Life is hard these days). It will be best if the government, either the national government or the local government units, will provide these masks free of charge and should not be overpriced kasi dagdag sa gastusin ng taumbayan 'yon (because that will be an additional expense for our countrymen)," Garin, also the representative of Iloilo's 1st District, said in an online interview.

Garin's call comes amid concerns about the spread of influenza and influenza-like illnesses (ILIs). The Department of Education (DepEd) National Capital Region recently suspended face-to-face classes for two days to allow disinfection and sanitation.

The Department of Health (DOH), however, clarified last week that there is no outbreak of such cases.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa has said the number of ILI cases in the country are in line with anticipated increases during the flu season. He also said the DepEd's declaration had more to do with safety checks of school infrastructure amid recent earthquakes rather than ILI cases.

Last Monday, the Health Department reported that during the first two weeks of October, ILI cases were 39% lower compared to the last two weeks of September.

The House leader reminded the public about the proper disposal of face masks.

Vaccines wanted

Meanwhile, Garin also lamented the slow procurement of the DOH of vaccines against flu and pneumonia.

"Tila ang daming bakuna na hindi nabili. So again, while inayos natin yung 2026 budget, napaka-importante 'yung utilization ng pondo," Garin said.

(It seems many vaccines have not been purchased. So again, while we are preparing the 2026 budget, it is very important that funds are utilized.)

"'Yung mga guidelines ay hindi nagiging available, so yung procurement ay nagiging late. Dapat ginagawa na nila nang last quarter 'yan para pagdating ng January, makabili na tayo ng health commodities kagaya ng flu vaccine, at ipamigay doon sa nangangailangan," she added.

(Procurement is often late because guidelines are not available. They should be doing it on the last quarter so come January, we can buy health commodities like flu vaccines and distribute these to those who need them.)

Although Garin said getting vaccinated against the flu right now would still provide protection to the individual, it would have been best to have gotten the vaccine earlier on.

"Kung magbakuna ka ngayon, it will still give you protection. Pero napakakaunti na lang. You will be protected roughly for one month na lang. Sayang, 'no? Sayang dahil nawala ang window of protection dahil sa mabagal na serbisyo ng mga taong involved, no? Moving forward, kailangan mabilis din at dapat tuloy-tuloy ang oversight," Garin stressed.

(Getting vaccinated today will still give you protection, although very little. It would provide protection roughly for one month only. What a waste, right? The window of protection is lost because of the slow procurement of involved persons. Moving forward, the process should be fact while oversight should be continuous.)

She also emphasized the importance of proper diet, getting enough sleep, and proper ventilation in avoiding illnesses. — VDV, GMA Integrated News