Palace cites Thai Enquirer for using Philippine campaign vs COVID-19

December 20, 2020

Malacañang on Sunday expressed appreciation to a Thailand news website for using the Philippine government's reminder to the public of the health protocols amid COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is encouraging that foreign media, particularly Thai Enquirer, has taken notice of The Philippine government’s Minimum Public Health Standards Advocacy Campaign of wearing a face mask, washing of hands, and maintaining a physical distance, which is known locally as ‘Mask, Hugas, Iwas’,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

“It likewise mentioned that people must ‘listen to government announcements and do not take unnecessary risks’,” he added.

Roque said the fact that the Philippine government’s advocacy campaign has caught international attention underscores its effectiveness.

On Saturday, Thai Enquirer tweeted reminders for Thai people after 548 COVID-19 cases were discovered in the Samut Sakhon province in their country.

The news website used a GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) of Roque during one of his press briefings where the health protocol reminders were written on the podium he was using.

According to Thai Enquirer, they do not know who the person was.

“We have no idea who this person is… We used the gif because he’s round and Asian!!” it said in a series of tweets.

Roque reiterated that people must adhere to such health standards aimed at saving lives and protecting the communities.

“Let everyone be reminded therefore that in this holiday season, we should continue to wear face masks (and) face shields, wash our hands, and maintain a physical distance to have safe and healthy 2021,” he said. Ella Dionisio/DMS