AMID rising global concern over the Nipah virus, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero urged health and border authorities to maintain strict vigilance and ensure that preparedness systems remain fully operational. Escudero said that although current health advisories place the Philippines at low risk, developments in neighboring regions underscore the need for sustained, proactive monitoring. Nipah virus, first detected in Malaysia in 1998, has resurfaced in India, where authorities are enforcing localized containment measures and expanded contact tracing. It is a shared responsibility that requires synchronized systems, updated data, and timely communication,” he stressed. I call on our authorities to continue refining surveillance tools and ensuring that frontline personnel are equipped with updated protocols,” he added.