Office of the President

of the Philippines

Malacañang

MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 61

DIRECTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO TEMPORARILY ASSUME DIRECT SUPERVISION AND CONTROL OVER HEALTH AND SANITATION OPERATIONS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS AFFECTED BY TYPHOON YOLANDA

WHEREAS, Typhoon Yolanda (international codename: Haiyan) caused widespread destruction, substantial damage and death in several areas, including Samar, Leyte, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Capiz, Aklan, Antique, Iloilo and Palawan;

WHEREAS, Section 17 (f) of Republic Act (RA) No. 7160, or the “Local Government Code of 1991,” provides that the national government may provide or augment the basic services and facilities assigned to a local government unit (LGU) when such services or facilities are not made available or, if made available, are inadequate to meet the requirements of its inhabitants;

WHEREAS, Section 105 of RA No. 7160 provides that in cases of widespread public health dangers, the Secretary of Health may, upon the direction of the President and in consultation with the LGU concerned, temporarily assume direct supervision and control over health operations in any LGU for the duration of the emergency; and

WHEREAS, Presidential Decree No. 856, or the “Code on Sanitation of the Philippines”, provides that Department of Health (DOH) shall undertake the promotion and preservation of the health of the people and raise the health standards of individuals and communities throughout the Philippines, particularly food and water safety, and proper disposal of dead persons.

NOW, THEREFORE, the DOH is directed to temporarily assume direct supervision and control over health and sanitation operations of LGUs affected by Typhoon Yolanda if deemed necessary, based on an assessment of the needs and in consultation with such LGUs.

All other departments, agencies, bureaus, and offices of the Government are hereby ordered to coordinate with and assist the DOH in the implementation of this Order.

This Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE, in the City of Manila, this 18th day of November, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Thirteen.

By authority of the President:

(Sgd.) PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR.

Executive Secretary