BPSK successes pilot implementation of “Usapang Kalusugan.”

 

Davao de Oro Province--- The “Bayanihan Para sa Karunungan” or the BPSK of PLGU-Davao de Oro successes pilot implementation of the “Usapang Kalusugan” under its Nutrition Education Component which aims to empower local community members on health and nutrition.

This nutrition education component of the BPSK acts on the issue of malnutrition in DdO through sustainable education talks. In collaboration with other offices, Usapang Kalusugan delivers education concerning nutrition, health, food security, and sanitation in schools and communities.

Last June 12, 2021, at Barangay Golden Valley, Mabini Davao de Oro the Usapang Kalusugan became part of the Outreach Program of PLGU-Davao de Oro to Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) in the province.

The pilot implementation of the program became successful as BPSK partners with the Department of Education-Davao de Oro (DepEd-DdO), Provincial Agriculturist’s Office (PAGRO), Provincial Health Office (PHO), Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), Provincial Veterinary’s Office (PVO), Kusina ng Kalinga (KNK), and Women’s Development Program.

Various inputs were given to the community throughout the day such as food preparation and meal planning, animal production, utilization of indigenous vegetables, basic food groups, nutrition in an emergency, environmental sanitation, and talks about the “Liwanag ng Pamilya Program”, rights of child and their responsibility, and rights of parents and their responsibility which is essential for a good foundation of parenthood.

The program also includes the distribution of vegetable seeds for the community, an exhibit of container vegetable gardening, and a cooking demonstration.

Meanwhile, in the advent of the hybrid mode of learning, BPSK also partnered with “Serbisyo Oro Mismo” (SOM) which led to the creation of “Usapang Karunungan”, an online education platform that promotes educational programs and information. The program continues to broadcast relevant topics pertaining to education via social media platforms, radio, and television.

With its various components and through collaborative efforts, “The Bayanihan Para Sa Karunungan” continues to deliver its services all-out. (Jasteen Abella, Information Division Davao de Oro)

PLGU-Davao de Oro conducts site inspection in tourism establishments

Davao de Oro Province--- When several restrictions begin to ease including the tourism sector, it’s no surprise that people were itching to get out and breathe after months of lockdown, but safety remains a paramount concern.

Tourism-related establishments and destinations in Davao de Oro adhere to the DOT’s Memorandum Circular No. 2020-002 “Health and Safety Guidelines Governing the Accommodation Establishments under the New Normal” and AO No. 2020-002 “Guidelines on the Operations of Hotels and other Accommodation Establishments under a Community Quarantine.” Guidelines on minimum health protocol for dine-in restaurants and fast food establishments set by the DTI, DOLE and DOT were also followed.

With this, PLGU-Davao de Oro through the Provincial Tourism Office with the Department of Tourism conducted a site inspection in the municipalities of Pantukan and Mabini this week.

“We conducted the inspection to ensure the compliance for their observance to minimum health protocols like sanitation, social distancing measures, disinfection mechanism, and contact tracing efforts” said Christine Dompor, Senior Tourism Operations Officer of Ddo.

Six (6) tourism establishments in Pantukan with provisional accreditation and Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO) were inspected and thirteen (13) non-accredited or without provisional permit establishments were also monitored. Meanwhile in Mabini, eight (8) establishments issued with CAO by the DOT XI were also inspected.

Dumpor also said that information materials for public information at entrances were distributed, as well as health declaration and contact tracing forms and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) directory for a close coordination during emergencies

According to the EO. NO. 0043.2020, accommodation and ancillary establishments under MGCQ may undertake normal operation provided that operations shall be 50% operational capacity, retain skeleton workforce which may or may not comprise in house staff and ensure compliance with issuance and guidelines on minimum public health standards.

It’s now everybody’s responsibility to adhere the safety protocols set by the authorities as Covid-19 still lurks in places or individuals we never know. (Jasteen Abella, Information Division, Davao de Oro)

MORE LIQUOR BAN VIOLATORS ARRESTED

Posted on July 2, 2020  by administrator

The city government of Davao has shown that it is serious in the implementation of the liquor ban as the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) and Vices Regulation Unit (VRU) continue to apprehend more violators.From March to June, the two offices apprehended a total of 196 individuals for selling and drinking alcoholic beverages.

DCPO head Police Colonel Kirby John Kraft said that concerned citizens, who reported on violators, also played a role in the arrests.“We received tips from various Davawenyos that led to the arrest of these individuals. We actually encourage more Dabawenyos to inform us if they see people violating the liquor ban,” Kraft said.

VRU head Dr. Ashley Lopez said that they have been monitoring online sellers of alcoholic beverages, who have proliferated when the liquor ban due to the pandemic was implemented on April 6.

“Naa lang gihapon gahig ulo labi na mga alcoholics who desperately find ways to drink to satisfy their cravings,” Lopez said.Lopez and Kraft issued warning anew against other possible violators that they too will be arrested. CIO

STAY ALERT DURING RAINY SEASON

Posted on June 17, 2020  by administrator

Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte has advised Dabawenyos, especially those residing in danger-zones, to stay alert and vigilant against risks of disaster and diseases common during wet season.

Mayor Sara warned that calamities such as flooding and landslides can happen as the country enters the rainy season from June to December.“Ang dala sa ulan, number one – landslide, ikaduha – baha, lightning. Mag-ingat ta everytime na kusog ang ulan (The rainy season can cause number one – landslide, second – flood, lighting. Let’s be vigilant during heavy rains),” she advised.

The mayor said it is also the season when diseases affect people such as leptospirosis, dengue, and tetanus.“Usually dala aning ulan is ang mga sakit nga leptospirosis, mao na siya ang hugaw sa ilaga na naa sa floodwater. So dili ta basta-basta mulusong sa tubig baha because duna na siya’y dala na mga hugaw, mga kagaw. Dili lang ang leptospirosis, posible tang masamad and magkasakit ta og tetanus (Usually the rain brings diseases like leptospirosis which is a bacterial infection acquired from rats during flood. We should avoid floodwater because of the bacteria and germs in it. Aside from that, we can get wounds and get tetanus),” Mayor Sara stressed.

She also reminded the people to be aware of their surroundings as dengue can be widespread influenced by rainfall. Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection.“Paniguraduhon nato nga malabay nato ang mga nagpundo nga hugaw nga tubig kay posible ni siya nga mahimong balay sa mga lamok (Let’s ensure to throw away the dirty, stagnant water because mosquitos inhabit there),” she warned.She said that increase of cases like these (dengue, leptospirosis, tetanus) will add to the problem in the hospitals not being able to serve so many patients.“Kung mudaghan atong mga dengue cases, kung mudaghan atong mga leptospirosis, ang mga nasakit ug tetanus… tanan nga lain nga sakit, magdungan sila tanan sa hospital so mubalik na pud ta sa atoang problema nga dili na makakaya ang atoang hospital nga magcarry og mga tao nga dunay sakit (If our dengue, leptospirosis, tetanus cases, and all other diseases increase and patients overwhelm the hospital, we will go back again to our problem of hospitals not being able to cater everyone),” Mayor Sara said.

CIO

Comval's Family Health Fair

Compostela Valley Province

The provincial government of Compostela Valley through the Provincial Health Office (PHO) in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) conducts "12th Family Health Fair" (FHF) with the theme: "Bringing Families Towards Universal Health Care" at the far-flung area in Barangay Melale, Municipality of Laak, Compostela Valley Province on September 10, 2019.



Attending the program were Laak Mayor Antonio L. Libuangan together with Board Members Renato B. Basañes and Vivencia Secuya, PHO Chief Dr. Antonio P. Ybiernas Jr., Executive Assistant for Health Dr. John Edward M. Coloma, PHO Doctors and personnel, and the barangay officials of Melale led by Barangay Captain Peter Elsan Molero.

Among the services offered during the conduct of the health fair are the IMCI Screening, Prenatal Check-up and Family Planning under Family Health cluster and for the Infectious Disease Cluster is the HIV Counseling and Testing for the different individuals. The Environmental Health and Sanitation also offers Food Handler's Class.  For the Non-Communicable Disease they conducted Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid and for the Population Management is the Teen Counseling.

On the other hand, the Provincial Council of Women offers 'Libreng Gupit' Free Haircut for all the participants in the community while the Basic First Aid Training and techniques was also conducted by the Health Emergency Management System.

Furthermore, the Oplan Pagbabago of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office offers Information Education Campaign (IEC) on Youth Welfare Program and Services, PHIC Enrollment on Pregnant Women and Pantawid Pamilya Program Queries.

 Other services are the feeding program or libreng lugaw and champurado as well as the Provision of Iron, Ascorbic Acid and Zinc for the Nutrition cluster.

According to Board Member Dr. Basañes, this is the first time that the conduct of the FHF was held at the Barangay or in a far-flung Barangay as mandated by the governor as part of the Oplan Pagbabago and 4Ps plus agenda.

"Ang katuyuan ani nga programa nga kamong mga katawhan masayod gyud kung unsa ang mga serbisyo sa gobyerno nga angayan maavail sa mga katawhan nga libre ug walay bayad. Ma aware tang tanan kung unsa ang available services sa atong probinsiya pinaagi sa health ug uban pa," Basañes added.

Also gracing the event were the eleven (11) municipal health officers of the Rural Health Units (RHUs) of the entire province together with the participation of the four (4) hospitals of the province namely; the Compostela Valley Provincial Hospital (CVPH) Montevista, CVPH Laak, CVPH Pantukan and CVPH Maragusan.

The National Offices and Private partners such as Apex Mining Company, Thermamarine also offers free multi-vitamins and render other health services with their medical specialist while the Mindanao Pranic Healing Training Center offers consultations for the energy healing. The members of the community in Barangay Melale as well as the neighbouring Barangays availed of the different services during the conduct of the FHF.  #YEStoDavaoDeOro (Rey Antibo, ID Comval)

War on Malaria

I remember the time travelling around the world starting at the end 1970's and always having in mind: Malaria! The war on malaria has been a victory for human health, driving deaths down and life expectancy up. But meanwhile, experts fear that the positive trajectory is starting to shift.

 

The global fight against malaria is grinding to a halt, the World Health Organization warned on Wednesday (yesterday, I am writing this piece November 30, 2017!), amid flat-lining funding and political complacency.

Malaria infected an estimated 216 million people last year — about 5 million more than in 2015 — potentially reversing a six-year trend of decreasing infection cases. The majority of the 440,000 lives claimed by the mosquito-borne disease were young children in sub-Saharan Africa.

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said "progress appears to have stalled" in the fight against the tropical disease. "Although there are some bright spots in the data, the overall decline in the global malaria burden has unquestionably leveled off," Ghebreyesus said. "And, in some countries and regions, we are beginning to see reversals in the gains achieved."

.

Fewer people are dying from malaria, but the rate of progress has slowed — especially in Africa.

Experts fear financial shortfalls and government complacency have thrown progress off track. "At the current level of funding and coverage of current tools, we have reached the limits of what can be achieved in the fight against the disease," said Abdisalan Noor, lead author of the WHO's annual malaria report.

Investment into malaria prevention — a third of which came from the US last year — has leveled off since 2010. Analysis by the WHO found that funding in countries with a high risk of malaria had dropped to an average of less than two dollars per person per year.

The WHO says a minimum annual investment of $6.5 billion (€5.5 billion) is required to meet its ambitious 2030 targets.

Funding in 2016 stood at just $2.7 billion.

The majority of malaria casualties are children under the age of five in sub-Saharan Africa. Insecticide-coated mosquito nets are an effective method of prevention.

Change in fortunes? Maybe. Hopefully! The long-term global decline in malaria-related deaths has helped cut child mortality, driving a sharp increase in global life expectancy. The WHO has repeatedly made announcement on "the massive roll-out of effective disease-cutting tools" and "impressive reductions in cases and deaths."

Mosquito nets soaked in insecticide — mostly delivered through mass distribution campaigns — are the primary method of protection. But in sub-Saharan Africa fewer than half of households have sufficient access to them. "If we continue with a business-as-usual approach — employing the same level of resources and the same interventions — we will face near-certain increases in malaria cases and deaths," Ghebreyesus said. How about the situation in the Philippines? I miss updated reports.

Malaria – Can it be vanquished?

Some 80 percent of malaria deaths take place in just 15 countries — 14 sub-Saharan African nations and India.

Emergency work is underway in Nigeria, South Sudan, Venezuela and Yemen, where ongoing humanitarian crises pose further public health risks.

Several countries in the Middle East and central Asia have been certified as malaria-free in the last decade, including Morocco, Armenia and Turkmenistan. Last year, Kyrgyzstan and Sri Lanka joined their ranks, having gone three years without recording an indigenous case of malaria.

"We are up against a tough adversary," Ghebreyesus said. "But I am also convinced that this is a winnable battle."

+++

Email: doringklaus@gmail.com or follow me in Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com .

The Haze is on

WED, OCTOBER 21, 2015 BY THE MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR

EDITORIAL

Davao City’s skyline looks like it came straight out of a surreal painting with the darkened horizon. While everyone wants to believe that this fog-like image came as a result of the cool weather brought about by Typhoon Lando, the experts at Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) were however quick to awaken us from dreamland to tell us that this is all haze straight from Indonesia. Apparently, the monsoon winds have brought us not the romantic air we beget but the haze from Indonesia’s forest fires. The same haze is visible in General Santos City, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro City. Even ASEAN countries like Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore have been under a blanket of haze for quite sometime now, no thanks to the forest fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan in Indonesia.

Forest fires occur because of farmers who engage in slash-and-burn practices when clearing their lands primarily for economic reasons. The El Niño or the long periods of drought or dry season has only worsened the forest fires and unfortunately, the haze. This should be a cause of concern for all of us not only because it is detrimental to our environment. More importantly, this haze could be detrimental to our health especially those suffering from asthma and other chronic diseases. If you find yourself coughing a lot now, or sneezing more than you should be, then you should start to wonder if this is all caused by the haze. It is high time for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to start measuring air quality in the cities and provinces affected by the haze so we become aware if it is still safe to breathe freely. The Health Department should also come up with a guideline as to the effects of haze on our health, and what we can do to minimize the ill effects if there are.

Indonesia may be thousand of miles away from the Philippines but the haze that we are experiencing now shows that no country is isolated from the outside world anymore. As Joey Ayala’s song “Magkaugnay” goes…

Lupa, laot, langit ay magkaugnay

Hayop, halaman, tao ay magkaugnay

Ang lahat ng bagay ay magkaugnay

Magkaugnay ang lahat.

(C) 2015 by MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR, Davao City

Philhealth to Increase Members' Contribution from 1,200 to 2,400 Pesos

I am an expat in the Philippines since 1999 and also a member of PhilHealth.

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is looking at increasing contribution of its members from 1,200 to 2,400 Pesos (from 20 to 40 EUROS) per year. effective July 1, 2012. One could learn this from Dr. Eduardo Banzon, president and chief executive officer. Banzon said the increase on contribution is based on Circular 22 approved already last December. Under this circular, members can avail of the old rate by paying their contribution before June 30. They can also avail if they pay their 2012 contribution before the deadline.

By July 1, members, including those newly - registered will have to pay the annual contribution of 2,400 Pesos. Self-employed professionals earning an average monthly income of more than 25,000 Pesos will continue to pay their annual premium contribution of 3,600 Pesos. 

PhilHealth also implemented already the "No Balance Billing Policy to provide financial protection to its members, including indigent families. This means the patient does not need to shell out money for other fees or expenses. All government hospitals are reminded not refuse admissions to PhilHealth members, Banzon said.

Expats and Healthcare in The Philippines

I am lucky. Yes, I am! When I moved to the Philippines for good in 1999, i was still able to get some very good health insurance plans: critical illness, accident, death because of accident etcetera etcetera....

And, I also joined PHILHEALTH.

I informed several other expats and (Filipino) friends of mine about it. One of them became very lucky. He has been hospitalized and needed a blood transfusion several months ago. I informed him about the latest statement of Dr. Rey B. Aquino, President and CEO of PhilHealth: "In keeping with its trust objective of providing its members with responsive benefits, blood transfusions done even as an outpatient is now being paid  for by the state run Philippine Health Insurance cooperation (PhilHealth). This took effect already on al claims for outpatient blood transfusions starting one year ago.

Of course, it should be clarified that while purchase of blood is not included in the benefits , all medically-necessary drugs and medicines used during the transfusion shall be compensated in addition to the usual blood donor screening test.

What ever, however, being a PhilHealth member is a must - also and/or especially for expatriates living here in the Philippines.

Ten Ways to Fight Dreaded Dengue!

1. Clean up your backyard. Mosquitoes love to stay in the dark and damp areas. So if your garage is littered with boxes and assorted garbage, clean them up or throw them away. Don't let them become mosquito havens. Schedule a weekend clean-up day. 

2. Empty containers with stagnant water. The dengue-carrying mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. this means that flower pots, garbage cans, aquariums 910, unused swimming pools (!), tires and other piles are potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes. So after the rains fill with them with water, throw the water away. Newt time, keep these containers closed and upside down. Flower vases should also be replaced weekly.

3. Check your surroundings for stagnant water. Some ornamental plants have this "whorl' or cup-like shape that can hold water water. beautiful to behold but deadly in design. Turn them over and throw the water away! Non-moving rivers, especially in squatter areas, are full of mosquito eggs.

4. Close your doors and windows! Some people open their doors in the morning for a whiff of fresh air. They also believe that mosquitoes would leave the house and go into the sun-light. No, they don't! Place a screen door that keeps the flies AND the mosquitoes outside.

5. Spray insecticide regularly. to rid your house of mosquitoes, flies and also cockroaches, spray it every few days! Make sure you spray those dark corners, crevices, and cabinets. You'll be amazed at the number of pests you'll find dead in the morning. But please, just spray selected rooms when people are not around!

6. Wear pants, pyjamas, long sleeves, and socks. Mosquitoes are attracted to your breath as you exhale so they know how to reach you even in the dark.

7. Apply insect-repellants or use mosquito nets. If your kids are going hiking, camping  or off to school, you can apply insect-repellants like OFF-lotion. Yes, it really works. Kids, of course, like to play outdoors and are prime targets of these killer animals. You can wipe it on selected areas of the clothing like collars, sleeves and pants. 

8. Kill those mosquitoes! When it comes to dengue, it's either kill or be killed! Instruct everyone to kill as many mosquitoes and flies as they can. Once you've got them trapped in your bathroom, show no mercy. 

9. Involve the whole community! The best way to defeat dengue is if the whole community is aware of the threat. Ask your community leaders to schedule a clean-up day! The danger is in empty houses and lots, which are excellent breeding places for mosquitoes. 

10. Spread the word: Dengue fever is here! You'll never know where dengue will strike next time, so better be prepared and inform your neighborhood!

Stay safe and healthy. I wish you all the best!!!

DENGUE - The Killer (Part II)

Dengue cases in Northern Mindanao have increased by 200 percent (!), the Department of Health in Region X said in its latest report. According to Emiliano Galban Jr., DOH X spokesman, 32 persons have been confirmed to the deadly mosquito borne disease while 2.345 (!) have been infected from January to June this year.

Galban said that this year's record is so far the highest in recent medical history of Northern Mindanao as there are more 1.777 (!) more cases recorded this year compared to last year's 568 cases.

Most of the infected persons are in Bukidnon. 

There are two new different types mosquito types such as AEDES and ANOPHELES, attacking especially Mindanao in the Philippines. The AEDES AEGYPTI is the insect you must avoid meeting if you don;t watch to catch dengue, while it is the female ANOPHELES from if you don't want to catch Malaria. Both are deadly and you don't want to catch any of them!

Both, dengue and malaria are also considered major hindrances to the economic growth of an area or a whole country.

There are many ways to fight dreaded dengue! Check it out here tomorrow!

Stay healthy, guys!

DENGUE - the Killer!

The fight against dengue is being brought already to the "barangay" level  at the City Health Office and the Department of Health here in Davao City, gathered together all "barangay" captains in a forum on their rule in fighting the spread of the disease. 

Davao city's good mayor Sara Inday Duterte told those in attendance that she is hopeful the "barangay" captains will give emphasis on fighting dengue in the community. Barangay Captains should delegate the work and monitor constituents. 

Bukidnon, so far, is now listed by the Department of Health as a "DENGUE HOTSPOT in Region 10 of the Philippines. Cagayan de Oro came into second with more or less 500 cases during the first six months of 2010. 10 persons have already died.

The municipality of Tagaloan was recorded as having the most number of dengue cases in Misamis Oriental, with 118. Health authorities believed that this increase of dengue incidence in Northern Mindanao is due to the onset of the rainy season.

"Practice cleaning your surroundings?"

HOW?

Check it out here on this website!

BLOODSUCKING TERRORISTS?

YES, THEY ARE HERE AND WAITING FOR YOU!!!

Expats and HealthcareAuswanderer und Gesundheit

Long time before starting to be an expat (not only in the Philippines) I thought about the very important topic health care and insurance.

Read more in www.edgedavao.net.

Just look for the Competitive Edge Section and my expat column.

One in Every Four Pinoy Adults has Hypertension

An article in a Philippine national daily let one learned, that a recent survey by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute showed that more and more Filipinos are at-risk for lifestyle-related diseases.

Results of the recent National Nutrition and Health Survey done by the FNRI found that more Filipinos have hypertension, high fasting blood sugar as well as high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other lifestyle-related illnesses.

The survey revealed that one in every four Filipino adults has hypertension or a blood pressure (BP) reading equal to or higher than 140/90 millimeter mercury. High BP increases from 40 to 49 years old.

Facts are: these lifestyle-related diseases are among the diseases that currently dominate the list of leading causes of death in the Philippines. These are also the leading causes of morbidity, particularly diseases of the heart and the vascular systen. 

Filipinos should exercise regularly, avoid smoking (!) and drinking alcoholic beverages (!). Mmmh, I am sure, we expatriats are also included.

Eating a variety of foods everyday, consuming more fruits, vegetables, root crops and legumes can be done while living in the Philippines.

Lazy Summerdays - but Walking Around is also Good for YOU!

The lazy summer days have started in the Philippines. School vacations mean the start of the Philippine summer. The heat is on. More heat is on - and we're all getting lazier and lazier. 

Of course, office life is indeed comfortable.Eight hours daily - or even more - we sit in cool surroundings, often times cold enough to wear sweaters and jackets while the rest of the entire outside world endures the scorching heat of the tropical sun.

But the cool comfort of office jobs entails a sedentary lifestyle, the outcome of which may not be very comforting to think about. Sitting too much could be deadly. Ooopss!!!  How can we rethink how to define physical activity to highlight the danger of sitting? Yes, even whikle writing this piece, I am trying to think about this question. 

After four hours or more of sitting the body stars sending harmful signals. I am sitting already since almost six hours. I didn't feel anything... .

Sure, we people should keep exercising because that has a lot of benefits. Even the heat is on now - and even the lazy summer days in the Philippines have started now.

Take mini-walks.

Climb stairs.

Park and walk.

Walk on your lunch break.

Move while on the phone.

Swing your arms, turn your neck.

Eat less and drink more water.

Interact with people in person.

Join a sport team.

Adopt a fidgety habit to deal with stress!

Enjoy your summer days!