Pandemics biggest threat to Pinoys in HK –consul general
HONG KONG - Consul General Bernardita Catalla has identified pandemics as the main threat for the estimated 200,000 Filipinos living and working here.
Unlike some countries in the Middle East, she said conflicts or political upheavals are unlikely in Hong Kong.
In a recent meeting with leaders and representatives of various Filipino groups here, Catalla said the Philippine Consulate General is coming up with a contingency plan for Filipinos in the territory for possible pandemics and other threats to Filipinos.
The Hong Kong government has recently cautioned its residents against traveling to South Korea due to the number of patients with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
In the past, Hong Kong had battled against human swine flu, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and the avian influenza.
"Para sa nakararami, we will make the contingency plan into more practical, implementable measures na madali maipamigay at madistribute sa mga kababayan natin," Catalla said.
She said the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila required all overseas posts to submit a contingency plan.
"Kailangan natin maghanda kahit anuman ang mangyari — man-made disasters o natural disasters o political upheavals. Kailangan ho handa tayo," Catalla said.
Filipinos in Hong Kong were encouraged to make suggestions about the contingency plan.
Catalla is thinking of including area-based coordinators, who would be responsible for the dissemination of evacuation plan details to Filipinos in their locations, in the plan.
The plan would also include mapping of the locations of Filipinos in Hong Kong. —KBK, GMA News
Unlike some countries in the Middle East, she said conflicts or political upheavals are unlikely in Hong Kong.
In a recent meeting with leaders and representatives of various Filipino groups here, Catalla said the Philippine Consulate General is coming up with a contingency plan for Filipinos in the territory for possible pandemics and other threats to Filipinos.
The Hong Kong government has recently cautioned its residents against traveling to South Korea due to the number of patients with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
In the past, Hong Kong had battled against human swine flu, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and the avian influenza.
"Para sa nakararami, we will make the contingency plan into more practical, implementable measures na madali maipamigay at madistribute sa mga kababayan natin," Catalla said.
She said the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila required all overseas posts to submit a contingency plan.
"Kailangan natin maghanda kahit anuman ang mangyari — man-made disasters o natural disasters o political upheavals. Kailangan ho handa tayo," Catalla said.
Filipinos in Hong Kong were encouraged to make suggestions about the contingency plan.
Catalla is thinking of including area-based coordinators, who would be responsible for the dissemination of evacuation plan details to Filipinos in their locations, in the plan.
The plan would also include mapping of the locations of Filipinos in Hong Kong. —KBK, GMA News
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