IATF-EID Resolution No. 135, s. 2021

August 26, 2021

IATF-EID RESOLUTION NO. 135, S. 2021

WHEREAS, Section 15, Article II of the 1987 Constitution states that the State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them; HTcADC

WHEREAS, Section 2 (b) of Executive Order No. 168 (s. 2014) mandates the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to prevent and/or minimize the entry of suspected or confirmed patients with emerging infectious diseases into the country;

WHEREAS, on September 16, 2020, the President issued Proclamation No. 1021 (s. 2020) extending the period of the State of Calamity throughout the Philippines until September 21, 2021;

WHEREAS, the Department of Health (DOH), the University of the Philippines-Philippine Genome Center (UP-PGC), and the University of the Philippines-National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH) biosurveillance have detected B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), and P.1 (Gamma) variants of SARS-CoV-2 in the Philippines. The DOH, UP-PGH, and UP-NIH have likewise confirmed the presence of the B.1.617 (Delta) variant that was first detected in India;

WHEREAS, the continued implementation of proactive measures and restrictions must be put in place to slow down the surge in COVID-19 cases, stop further spread of variants, buy time for the health system to cope, and to protect more lives;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as it is hereby resolved, that the IATF approves the follows:

A. The request of the Philippine Racing Commission for the operation of their Off-Track Betting stations in the National Capital Region for the duration of the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine, subject to the approval of the local government unit concerned. The operation of OTBs shall be strictly limited to the purpose of selling tickets only and shall ensure the enforcement of their health and safety protocols and observance of minimum public health standards within their premises; and

B. Upon the recommendation of its Technical Working Group, the IATF adopts and promotes the use of OneHealthPass of the Bureau of Quarantine and the Department of Transportation One Stop Shop to promote the convenient and seamless movement of international travelers from departure from country of origin to arrival at the local government unit of destination beginning 01 September 2021 and for the duration of the state of national public health emergency.

RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Chairperson and the Co-Chairperson shall be duly authorized to sign this Resolution for and on behalf of the Inter-Agency Task Force.

APPROVED during the 135th Inter-Agency Task Force Meeting, as reflected in the minutes of the meeting, held this August 26, 2021, via video conference.

(SGD.) FRANCISCO T. DUQUE IIISecretary, Department of Health

(SGD.) KARLO ALEXEI B. NOGRALESSecretary, Office of the Cabinet Secretariat

ATTACHMENT

Certification

This is to certify that:

1. I am presently an Assistant Secretary of the Department of Health;

2. I am the Head of the Secretariat of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases created under Executive Order No. 168, (s. 2014) and chaired by the Department of Health (DOH);

3. The IATF Secretariat holds office in the DOH Main Office, San Lazaro Compound, Tayuman, Sta. Cruz, Manila;

4. I am the custodian of the records of the IATF, including the Minutes of Meetings and Resolutions;

5. In the Regular Meeting of the IATF held on 26 August 2021 via teleconference during which a quorum was present and acted throughout, IATF Resolution No. 135 was unanimously approved and adopted;

6. The foregoing resolution has been signed by Secretary Karlo Alexei B. Nograles upon the authority of the IATF Members;

7. The aforesaid resolution has not been altered, modified nor revoked and the same is now in full force and effect;

8. I am executing this Certification for whatever legitimate purpose this may serve. aScITE

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed my signature this 26th day of August 2021, Manila.

(SGD.) ATTY. CHARADE B. MERCADO-GRANDEAssistant Secretary of Health