Hon. DOH Sec. Duque delivering his speech.

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III, during the 2nd Annual Convention of the BioRisk Association of the Philippines, challenges all medical doctors, veterinary doctors, biorisk professionals, medical technologists, and other allied health professionals, to work together and accelerate preparations and explore other scenarios to prevent the occurrence and spread of diseases.

BRAP Founding President thanks DrDuque while Conv Overall Chair DrVelasco looks on.

Duque stressed the Filipino spirit of Bayanihan was very evident when the Philippines handled the threat of AH1N1 in 2009. Through this Bayanihan spirit, the country was recognized by the World Health Organization for its efforts for being one of the only three nations at that time with excellent risk communication strategies. He also reminded everybody that infectious diseases do not respect borders, not just land or sea borders but inter-species as well, hence the need for constant collaboration among key players in order to ensure that our health system continue to be responsive to meet the numerous challenges.

(L to R) JJolito, PRO; LVirtucio AsstAudit; RPuno Treas, JVelasco VPresi; Dr. Duque; MMoreno President; LFlorento Sec; PMedina AsstTreas. Not in Pic AAquino Asst. Sec and FMalbas Audit.