2020 Annual Report on the Human Rights Situation in the Philippines 73 Recommendations 252 In line with this Human Rights National Situation Report, the CHR submits the following recommendations to respective government agencies and instrumentalities for the protection and fulfillment of Filipino people’s human rights: To the Department of Health 253 Ensure that testing kits are available, preferably free of charge, especially to the most vulnerable. In times when supplies are scarce, the most vulnerable should be prioritized for testing. Specify the most vulnerable through the Department of Health’s testing protocols. Strictly implement the protocols to ensure that available kits are optimized while waiting for delivery of additional supply. 254 Provide sufficient essential PPEs, such as face masks, hazard suits, disinfectant solutions, and thermal scanners. Prioritize supplies for the health care personnel, law enforcement personnel in the quarantine checkpoints, those directly attending to the public and others most vulnerable to being infected by this highly transmissible disease. Coordinate closely with the private sector to assist in the production or procurement of these PPEs and ensure supply, availability, and access. Prioritize the release of those bought or donated from other countries, private individuals, groups, or organizations. Enjoin the cooperation of industries or direct the public sector to produce PPEs for the use of the public, subject to just compensation, as the Constitution and the laws of the Philippines will allow. 255 Emphasize the need to make water available for all at all times, most especially for hygiene, including safe handwashing, which is the most effective way of preventing the spread of the disease. Collaboration with water utilities to ensure clean water is available and accessible to all. 256 Provide, in coordination with civil society and the private sector, safe and clean water and sanitation facilities that are physically accessible throughout the country. Install handwashing and sanitation stations in central locations in the community. 257 Establish emergency and critical care triage capacities as a special measure to augment backlogs in facilities. Coordinate with public health experts to facilitate this capacity concern with the objective of easing the overburdened and burned-out health workers. 258 Provide full financial and/or medical benefits to frontline health workers that will cater to their or their families’ needs, especially in circumstances where they become afflicted by COVID-19 or any other occupational hazard. Reconsider the national budget allocation for the health sector and review the system of health protection towards the achievement of equal access to the best quality of health services. Include the right to a system of health protection, which provides equality of opportunity for all to enjoy the highest attainable level of health. 259 Ensure, on its own or in coordination with the private sector, that those who have fallen ill, persons under investigation, and persons under monitoring, be provided access to medical services.