Statement of former President and APCU Chair Emeritus-Gloria M. Arroyo

Our human community is facing a global pandemic unprecedented in destructive impact to public health, economies and social fabric since World War II. The escalating plight of millions around the world is haunting. Yes, the deadly virus is daunting.

Amid inadequate facilities and at great risk to their well-being, health workers are doing the front liner's heroic task of attending to the rapidly increasing number of infected patients. Governments have come up with radical measures like travel quarantine and lock downs to contain the contagion.

At this critical time of struggle against the pandemic, solidarity is indispensable. We can only allow finger-pointing and fault-finding at our own peril. Blaming China for one as the alleged culprit in this viral outbreak has been rejected as stigmatizing and counterproductive action by the World Health Organization. This virus does not respect national borders and will affect every country.

We rise and fight as one to overcome this health emergency.