The Department of Health (DOH) recently received P4.8 million worth of Emergency Operation Center (EOC) Information and Communications Technology equipment from the European Union (EU) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The DOH said the equipment is seen to provide efficient and effective response to public health emergencies or disaster and help ensure continuity of health services delivery during crises.

The EOCs to be equipped are the East Avenue Medical Center and the Centers for Health Development of Central Luzon, Central Visayas, and Davao.

"The European Union has been a steadfast ally of the Philippines both in tackling disasters with humanitarian aid, and also by supporting national and local authorities' work on disaster preparedness for many years now. In particular, since 2020, health emergencies have become a very real threat," Christoph Wagner, head of cooperation at the EU Delegation to the Philippines, said.

"The EU is therefore proud to be supporting the Department of Health to secure its communication and coordination capabilities during major crises. This will protect lives," Wagner added.

According to the DOH, the donation is part of the P1.232 billion South East Asia Health Pandemic Response and Preparedness Programme the EU partnered with the WHO and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Secretariat to strengthen the region's national health systems to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We hope that this donation will help achieve the recommended minimum operational requirements in ensuring uninterrupted health service delivery in emergencies and disasters," Dr. Rui Paulo de Jesus, WHO Representative to the Philippines, said.

DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa expressed his gratitude to the EU and WHO, saying the technological upgrade will let the agency "respond swiftly, organize effectively, and protect the health and well-being of every Filipino."

"This aligns with one of our 8-Point Action Agenda -- Teknolohiya para sa mabilis na serbisyon pangkalusugan," Herbosa said.

"The Department of Health will provide the best for the poorest, dahil sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Buhay Mahalaga," he added.