It’s already here, but how long are we letting it stay?
This is the prevailing question asked by stakeholders of “Oplan Flunas”– the first and the biggest private sector initiative that seeks to control and contain the spread of the Influenza A H1N1 virus in the Philippines.
The group is advancing the Flu Prevention Triad – which can be summarized by the acronym PSI –comprised of Personal Hygiene (P), Surface and Air Disinfection (S) and Immune Boosting (I).
“The threat of a flu pandemic is always there,” asserts Dr. Lulu Bravo, Executive Director of the National Institutes of Health and one of the proponents of the project. “But whether or not this will become as big as the 1918 pandemic is dependent so much on one, preventive measures and two, on how the people in the community respond to this threat.”
To date, Oplan Flunas has opened 189 flu-prevention awareness doors all over the country , including Laguna, Cebu and the National Capital Region. All 189 doors will be awarded an “Oplan Flunas” seal, which certifies their adherence to the Flu Prevention Triad.
Comprehensive, Complementary, Complete
“Influenza A H1N1 is being discussed everywhere. “But information on its prevention always comes in parcels—some talk about hand washing; there’s a few that discuss vaccination while others speak about immune boosting,” notes Gerald Blanco, Lysol Senior Brand Manager. “ And we thought that amidst all these, there’s a very real imperative to outline flu prevention guidelines that are comprehensive, complementary and complete.”
With this in mind, Lysol initiated Oplan Flunas and the Flu Prevention Triad. “ This is probably the first time that a call to flu vigilance is this thorough and far-reaching,” says Blanco. “ And we’re proud to have taken the first step to bring together like-minded individuals in this initiative.”
Not Business As Usual
Aside from Reckitt Benckiser (Lysol) top retailers in the country including the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Fitness First Philippines, Nail Spa and 3M among others, are also part of Oplan Flunas.
Without exception, all business establishments joined to strengthen their commitment to quality customer service. “Joining is our way of showing our customers that that we’re aware of the problem and we’re doing our part as a
responsible business entity to educate people and to help prevent spreading the virus,” says Paolo Del Rosario, Director for Marketing, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.
Back to a Flu-Less School
Meanwhile, Laguna Lake Development Authority Chairwoman Uliran Joaquin is instrumental in bringing Oplan Flunas to the public schools of Laguna.
“Sa ngayon, wala pang swine flu samin sa Laguna at gusto ko sanang manatiling ganito,” notes the former three-time Laguna Congresswoman. San Vicente Elementary School in San Pedro and two others in Binan and Sta. Rosa are the first beneficiaries of Oplan Flunas. “ Sana maging modelo ng buong Laguna ang mga eskuwelahan na aming mapupuntahan.”
San Vicente Elementary School Principal Mrs. Lolita M. Vierneza, is grateful for the assistance extended by the Flu Prevention Coalition. “ Alam naming mga guro na oras na may magkasakit sa loob ng classroom, hindi malayong magkahawaan na. Kaya nga lubos-lubos ang aming pag-iingat,” says the 40-year teaching veteran. “ At salamat dahil magkakaroon kami ng kaagapay sa pag-limlim sa aming mga estudyante.”
Onto a Flu-Less Philippines
Current stakeholders of Oplan Flunas are optimistic that other socially responsible corporations and institutions will soon join their ranks.
“ At the end of the day, behind every corporation are individuals –individuals who want to protect themselves, their families, their businesses and their customers,” says Gerald Blanco. “And Oplan Flunas is essentially that: a group of individuals brought together by a common goal to prevent the spread of Influenza.”
For more information about the Flu Prevention Triad and on how to take part of Oplan Flunas– the biggest and most comprehensive public-private-government alliance for flu prevention— log on to www.flupreventionphilippines.com
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