PROVINCE OF SURIGAO DEL SUR

Lecture On Food Handlers/Food Operators and Inspection of Food Establishment and Water-Refilling Stations at the Municipality of Lanuza, Surigao Del Sur Look ! Last February 1, 2023, the Provincial Health Office-Environment Health and Sanitation Program Team, spearheaded by Mr. Rodrigo S. Gordo - Sanitation Inspector IV, gave lectures on Food Handlers and Food Operators at Lanuza Mega Gym, Brgy. Zone II, Lanuza, Surigao Del Sur. The said activity was participated by 176 residents. The following topics were discussed: (i) Orientation about Food Operators and Food Handlers - Presidential Decree 856 “ Code on Sanitation of the Philippine, (ii) Food Hygiene/Safety and Its Importance to Public Health and (iii) Common Causes of Food Poisoning, all three (3) lectures were presented by Mr. Rodrigo S, Gordo- SI IV; Food Safety Hazards, presented by Ms. Lorna Ramirez- SI II; Personal Hygiene/Handwashing, presented by Ms. Melinda Gascon, SI II; Ways to Prevent Food Poisoning and Pest Control, presented by Mylienne Ariarte- SI III; and lastly, Safe Methods of Preparing, Cooking, Serving of Foods, presented by Fidel Taripe III- SI II. The activity promotes healthy and safe handling of food among food handlers and food operators to prevent illnesses and contamination brought by improper handling and operations especially to the public. Moreover, the Provincial Health Office-Environmental Health and Sanitation Program Team conducted inspection on food establishments and water-refilling stations throughout the Municipality of Lanuza, Surigao Del Sur last February 2 until February 3, 2023. Four (4) water-refilling stations, four (4) bakeshops, fifteen (15) carenderia/restaurants, one (1) catering service, one (1) snack house, one (1) burger station and one (1) public market underwent inspection conducted by the aforementioned team. The inspection made sure that all food establishments and water stations are following the standard health and sanitation protocols and procedures to ensure safe food and water to the consumer.
Date Posted: February 6, 2023 | 3:32 AM

2023 Consultative Meeting and Awarding - Local Blood Coordinators and City/Municipal Health Officers and Stakeholders for 2022 Accomplishment January 31, 2023 - The Provincial Health Office through the Provincial Blood Coordinating Council conducted the 2023 Consultative Meeting and Awarding among the Local Blood Coordinators and City/Municipal Health Officers and Stakeholders for 2022 Accomplishment at Shacene Function Hall, Tandag City, Surigao Del Sur. The main event of the activity is to declare that for the first time, the Province of Surigao del Sur was able to surpass its target in blood collection. The province has a population of 630,132 and 1% of it is the national target for annual blood collection which is 6,301. Surigao del Sur was able to collect a total of 7,319 blood donations which is 1.13% of the total population. Moreover, awards were given to the following municipalities and city who also reached 1% and beyond: Top 5 Municipalities: 1.Madrid Projected Population: 16,197 Blood Collected: 444 bags of blood Achieved Percentage: 2.74% 2. Carmen Projected Population: 11,008 Blood Collected: 262 bags of blood Achieved Percentage: 2.38% 3. Lanuza Projected Polpulation: 12,769 Blood Collected: 298 bags of blood Achieved Percentage: 2.33% 4. Carrascal Projected Population: 23,915 Blood Collected: 492 bags of blood Achieved Percentage: 2.06% 5. San Agustin Projected Population: 24,237 Blood Collected: 457 bags of blood Achieved Percentage: 1.88% Municipalities/City who reached 1% and beyond: Cortes (1.0%) San Miguel (1.09%) Lianga (1.24%) Bayabas (1.10%) Tago (1.13%) Cagwait (1.57%) Cantilan (1.57%) Marihatag (1.25%) Tandag City (1.31%) DOH-CHD Caraga Regional Director, Cesar C Cassion, MD, MPH, CESO III, duly represented by Ms. Sunshine Alipayo, RN, the Regional NVBSP coordinator, offered her expertise regarding the importance of being involved in the Blood Donation Program and she emphasized that blood volunteers are the new heroes because their blood has saved many lives. Furthermore, she congratulated the whole province and its municipalities of its accomplishment. The event ended with a closing message given by Dr. Oscar M. De Jesus,Jr.,MD- Provincial Health Officer I.
Date Posted: February 6, 2023 | 6:09 AM

February Marks National Cancer Prevention Month Cancer is one of the four epidemic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) or lifestyle-related diseases (LRDs) which include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and chronic respiratory diseases. According to Dr. Antonio Miguel Dans in his paper “Introduction to Non-Communicable Diseases” in August 2014, the NCDs are now considered a “silent disaster” of massive proportion that is ravaging the Filipino population, killing 300,000 victims a year, 800 every day, and 33 every hour. Its toll on lives is likened to “two 747 planes packed with passengers crashing every day”. Those NCDs share common risk factors, such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet, insufﬁcient physical activity and the harmful use of alcohol. Cancer remains a national health priority in the country with significant implications for individuals, families, communities, and the health system. Cancer is the third leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the country after diseases of the heart and the vascular system (Philippine Health Statistics 2009). Among Filipino men, the 6 most common sites of cancer diagnosed in 2010 (Globocan) were lung, liver, colon/rectum, prostate, stomach, and leukemia. Among Filipino women the 6 most common sites diagnosed were breast, cervix, lung, colon/rectum, ovary and liver. Furthermore, 189 of every 100,000 Filipinos are afflicted with cancer while four Filipinos die of cancer every hour or 96 cancer patients every day, according to a study conducted by the University of the Philippines’ Institute of Human Genetics, National Institutes of Health. 5 IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT CANCER Early detection and screening is key. Cancer is deadly, but the good news is thousands of cancer cases, and deaths can be prevented through early detection and screening. Cancer is a leading cause of death. In 2019, cancer was said to be the world's second leading cause of death, with breast (2.26 million cases) and lung (2.21 million cases) being the most common types of cancer, according to the WHO. Cancer research has decreased death rates. More effective cancer treatment has decreased the death rate according to the American Cancer Society and, more specifically, lung cancer. Smoking increases your risk of lung cancer. The most effective preventative measure against the disease is to stop smoking. The more cigarettes you smoke, the higher your risk. Moreover the Provincial Health Office is sharing ways to prevent cancer or find it early. Don’t smoke or aim to quit. Smoking and secondhand smoke cause 90% of lung cancer deaths in the United States. The use of tobacco products is linked to cancers of the larynx, mouth and throat, esophagus, urinary bladder, kidney, pancreas, cervix, colon, rectum, liver, and stomach. Protect Your Skin from the Sun Skin cancer is the most common and preventable cancer in the United States. Be sure to use adequate sun protection year-round and never use indoor tanning beds. Maintain a Healthy Weight Overweight and obesity are associated with at least 13 types of cancer, including endometrial (uterine), breast, and colorectal cancer. Controlling your weight through physical activity and healthy eating reduces your risk for cancer. Limit Alcohol Intake Heavy drinking and binge drinking increases the risk of breast, liver, colon, rectum, mouth, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus cancer. Men should have no more than two alcoholic drinks per day and women no more than one. Practice Safer Sex and Get Vaccinated Against Infectious Disease Unprotected sex can spread both Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis B. If left untreated, HPV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C are linked to many cervical and liver cancer cases. Know Your Family Health History and Get Regular Cancer Screenings Knowing your family health history can help you and your doctor determine which screening tests are needed and when. Regular cancer screenings are essential to detect cancer or precancerous conditions before symptoms occur. To learn more about to prevent cancer you may visit the office from Monday to Friday (8:00 am to 5:00pm) Reference: https://doh.gov.ph/philippine-cancer-control-program https://nationaltoday.com/national-cancer-prevention-month/ https://www.dhd10.org/national-cancer-prevention-month-february-2023/
Date Posted: February 6, 2023 | 6:49 AM

Philippine Heart’s Month We all know that February is the month of hearts since most of us celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14. But do you know that February is also Philippine Heart Month? It was declared by virtue of Proclamation No. 1096 signed on January 9, 1973 to promote awareness on various heart diseases as serious and growing health concerns among Filipinos. According to the Department of Health (DOH), heart diseases are among the leading causes of death in the country. With 47.1% prevalence, the leading cause of heart disease in the country is rheumatic fever. It is an inflammatory disease that can develop into rheumatic heart disease when streptococcal throat infection or scarlet fever isn’t properly treated. This has been followed by hypertensive (17.2%), and atherosclerosis, the buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on your artery walls which can restrict blood flow with 15.5%. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) gives the biggest chunk of the annual fatalities for non-communicable diseases with 17.5 million deaths each year. Comparing it to cancer, the latter only makes 8.2 million of the non-communicable disease deaths each year. It is very alarming that at least three-quarters of the global fatalities for CVDs come from middle-to-lower income countries. In fact, the Filipino population is at higher risk for cardiovascular disease-related deaths than that of countries like the United States. How can you prevent heart disease? The Provincial Health Office of Surigao Del Sur recommends the following ways to maintain healthy hearts. 1. Get your numbers by asking your doctor to check your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose. 2. Own your lifestyle and commit to stop smoking, exercise consistently and eat healthy. 3. Raise your voice and advocate for more cardiovascular disease research and education. 4. Educate your family and friends by making healthy food choices. 5. Take time to teach those in your life the importance of staying active and monitoring their hearts. This February, find love with a Healthy Heart. Take care of yourself and promote a change in your community by being educated and proactive on the risks of cardiovascular disease. Because the best way to celebrate love is with a healthy heart. References: “DID YOU KNOW? February is Philippine Heart Month” from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1085528/did-you-know-february-is-philippine-heart-month-2 “All there is to know about Philippine Heart Month” from https://seriousmd.com/blog/philippine-heart-month/ “Heart disease in the Philippines” from https://www.ajconline.org/article/0002-9149(62)90323-5/fulltext#:~:text=The%20leading%20cause%20of%20heart,15.5%20per%20cent)%20heart%20disease. “Heart Month 2021” from https://www.philheart.org/index.php/component/content/article/7-pha-news/875-heart-month-2021?Itemid=435 https://nnc.gov.ph/regional-offices/mindanao/region-ix-zamboanga-peninsula/4693-did-you-know-february-is-philippine-heart-month https://operationxcel.org/news/blog.html/article/2023/01/30/find-love-this-february-with-american-heart-month?gclid=CjwKCAiAxP2eBhBiEiwA5puhNaAubeavD7qq1NZM3WuK9Z-RmYc6hhO-UapZTbJcC2lrOfBPCrKOTBoCmtUQAvD_BwE
Date Posted: February 6, 2023 | 6:50 AM

National Oral Health Month Why is oral health important? Oral Health is fundamental to overall health, well-being and quality of life. A healthy mouth enables people to eat, speak and socialize without pain, discomfort or embarrassment. Pain from untreated dental diseases can lead to eating, sleeping, speaking, and learning problems in children and adolescents, which affect child’s social interactions, school achievement, general health, and quality of life. Rampant dental caries in children adversely affect the overall nutrition necessary for the growth of the body specifically body weight and height. That begins with the first bite and chewing the food efficiently. What are the most common oral health illnesses of the Filipinos? Dental Caries (tooth decay) and Periodontal Diseases (gum diseases) are the two most common oral health diseases affecting the Filipinos. 87.4 % Filipinos are suffering from dental caries while 48.3 % has gum disease (based on the 2011 National Monitoring and Evaluation Dental Survey). How do we prevent these two dental diseases from occurring? There are many ways these two most common dental diseases can be prevented. Dental caries can be prevented through… regular visits to the dentist for early diagnosis and preventive care; professionally applied fluorides & sealants; well-balanced diet; minimize eating sugary foods and good plaque control through regular toothbrushing and flossing. Gum diseases can be prevented through… regular visits to the dentist for early detection and treatment; regular and proper toothbrushing and healthy lifestyle such as avoidance of tobacco smoking, drugs & excessive alcohol-intake. Unlimited smiles are a result of good oral health. Regardless of your attitude, smiling more often can enhance your health and perhaps lengthen your life. Smiling has several advantages, one of which is lowered blood pressure. Laughing more often or smiling more often can help lower your blood pressure, which is crucial for heart health. According to a study by The College of Family Physicians, laughing can raise heart rate and oxygen consumption right away, followed by a time of muscular relaxation, a drop-in heart rate, and a lowering of blood pressure. The risk of getting heart disease is decreased by any amount, no matter how modest. Your stress response is activated and relieved when you smile, which is another effective stress reliever. Studies have shown that smiling reduces heart rate compared to not smiling when people are faced with stressful conditions. Reference: https://doh.gov.ph/oral-health-program
Date Posted: February 6, 2023 | 6:51 AM

February of Each Year is National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) Month FEBRUARY of each year is National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) Month in recognition of the important role that the NHIP plays in every Filipino's life. February of each year marks the country’s observance of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Month by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 1400 s. 2007 which underlines the important role of social health insurance in every Filipino’s life. The National Health Insurance Program, as a social health insurance (SHI) scheme, is a form of financing and managing health care based primarily on risk pooling. The SHI pools the health risks of the people on one hand; and the contributions of individuals, households, enterprises, and the government on the other. This system protects people against financial burden of diseases, and considered a relatively fair method of financing health care. The NHIP is guided by the principle of social solidarity or community spirit, where risks are shared among income groups, age groups, persons of differing health status and those residing in different geographic areas. This solidarity principle is best exemplified by the spirit of Bayanihan where everyone carries the burden towards achieving a common goal, which in this case is to provide every Filipino with adequate financial protection when seeking medical care through everyone’s contributions, big or small. The Bayanihan spirit is best demonstrated in the PhilHealth program where the young is helping the old, the healthy subsidizing the sick, those earning more is subsidizing those who are earning less, and where the able subsidizes the poor and the vulnerable sectors such as senior citizens and persons with disabilities. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), being the administrator of the National Health Insurance Program as provided for in Republic Act 7875 as amended, spearheads the nation’s observance in parallel with its 28th anniversary on February 14. The observance aims to stimulate public awareness on the issues involving social health insurance and to encourage partners in fulfilling their respective roles to ensure the success of the NHI program, i.e., for Direct Contributors religiously paying their contributions, employers remitting and reporting their contributions on time, health care providers filing claims that are in order, among many others. This is also an opportune time to inform the public of the essential role that PhilHealth plays in each family’s health as well as how social health insurance work to shield Filipinos against costly hospitalization. To further raise awareness on the NHI Month, PhilHealth is spearheading low profile but high impact activities such as a press conference to announce new and expanded health care benefits for rollout in 2023 and beyond, and a Social Health Insurance symposium involving internal and external stakeholders to showcase its various feats in the implementation of the NHIP especially during the pandemic years. The state insurer also enjoins government agencies including local government units, the mass media and the entire citizenry to support the celebration geared towards fulfilling the vision of providing all Filipinos with equitable access to adequate, affordable and acceptable health care services without resulting to economic hardship; now and into the future. Reference: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2023/02/03/february-is-national-health-insurance-month/
Date Posted: February 6, 2023 | 6:53 AM

Celebrating in a Different Way: National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month Even though we might belong to the same family and share genetic material, we are all very different. Everyone is made up of a combination of genes, some from our mother, and some from our father, and this combination makes us the unique people we are. Genes carry information that determines what characteristics are inherited from our parents, such as the colour of your hair, how tall you are, and the colour of your eyes. Genes are the basic units of heredity. They consist of DNA, which is part of a larger structure called a chromosome. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes. Sometimes, the things that make us different from everyone else are caused by a genetic anomaly. For reasons unknown to us, an error occurs at the cell division stage when a child is conceived. If the chromosomes do not split into equal halves, the new cells can have an extra chromosome (47 total) or have a missing chromosome (45 total), resulting in a genetic condition. Down Syndrome is the most common of the 6000 genetic disorders found worldwide, and it is probably the most recognized. Named after Dr. John Langdon Down, the first physician to identify the condition in 1862, Down Syndrome occurs when an extra chromosome 21 is present in the DNA structure and can occur in people from all races, cultures, and social backgrounds. February is National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month, aimed to raise awareness about the needs and abilities of people with Down Syndrome. We are all unique individuals, with differing looks, health needs, and intellectual abilities, the same can be applied to a person with Down Syndrome. In the Philippines, Down Syndrome is quite prevalent, with 1 in every 800 babies born with the condition. Many people are unaware that most young people with Down Syndrome enjoy a very typical life, with a range of support needs that can be minimal or more complex, depending on the individual. As Down Syndrome is a genetic condition, there is a screening test available for expectant parents who are interested in discovering if their unborn child may have the condition. The test also screens for 17 other genetic conditions and provides accurate results in a timely manner. National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month focuses on busting the common myths surrounding people with this condition. Did you know that people with Down Syndrome often lead very fulfilling lives? They attend schools, have a wide range of talents, are emotional like anyone else, and participate in many regular social activities. Of course, the COVID-19 virus has made celebrating and socializing near impossible for many Filipinos, with many areas still in lockdown. The Philippines has had more than 470,000 confirmed cases and more than 9000 deaths. During the awareness month, people are encouraged to keep in touch with their friends via electronic channels, using live video calls and various messaging apps. Friends can still be social and keep in touch, it’s just a different way of having fun. How about a live cooking competition, or doing an art activity with friends? This February, let’s focus on the ability of the people in our community, and the gifts that they bring to everyone they meet. It’s time to celebrate individuality, and Down Syndrome is no exception. Reference: https://easydna.ph/celebrating-in-a-different-way-national-down-syndrome-consciousness-month/
Date Posted: February 6, 2023 | 7:05 AM

Reclassification of Land at Brgy. Tina and Brgy. Magroyong, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur The Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur under the leadership of Gov. Alexander T. Pimentel through the efforts of the Provincial Appraisal Committee, spearheaded by the chairperson, Provincial Assessor Ms. Sabina Noguera, represented by Engr. Richard Ombina, Engr. Remor Jacquez, Engr. Hanah Gay Tasa, together with the Municipal Assessor of San Miguel, Ms. Rolette Feguro and her staff, conducted a joint ocular inspection of a parcel of land sought to be reclassified from Agricultural Land to Residential Land last Friday, February 3, 2022 at Barangay Tina and Barangay Magroyong, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. #BuwisNgaGibayranKalambuanNatongTanan
Date Posted: February 7, 2023 | 2:33 AM

PRDP-PPMIU Coordination Meeting As one of the subcomponents of the I-SUPPORT under the PHILIPPINE RURAL DEVELOPMEMT PROJECT (PRDP), PENRO-LGU was tasked to maintain effective and efficient management of the Project within the province of Surigao del Sur under the leadership of HON. ALEXANDER T. PIMENTEL, Provincial Governor. For. Thelma S. Alcoberes, Provincial ENR Officer being the Social and Environmental Safeguards (SES) Unit Head and Xiara M. Lincuna as the SES Focal were responsible in the provision of technical assistance to the RPCOs and partner LGUs to ensure the compliance and implementation of Safeguards policy programs to adhere to the general procedures and guidelines. This PRDP-PPMIU meeting headed by Mr. Marcos Quico, Provincial Agriculturist was called last January 26, 2023 initially for all the PRDP components to report the SURIGAO DEL SUR project updates of the following group, to wit: KAMAANAN with Abaca Fiber project in LGU Lanuza and SANEDECO with Coffee Bean Project in LGU Hinatuan are both for SP endorsement however, the Business Plan MAFFISCO with Tuna Processing and Marketing Project in City LGU of Bislig is for review and comments of RPCO.
Date Posted: February 8, 2023 | 1:39 AM

5th Mindanao PAMB NETWORK Conference As one of the members of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) for Carac-an Watershed Forest Reserves, PENRO-LGU Surigao del Sur headed by Thelma S. Alcoberes, RPF participated the 5th MINDANAO PAMB NETWORK Conference on February 8-9, 2023 held at Cagayan de Oro City to share experiences and learnings from the project implementation. Among the speakers are Ronald D. Gadot-OIC, Regional Director of DENR Region 9; Henry A. Adornado- Regional Executive Director of DENR Region 10; Bagani Fidel A. Evasco-Regional Executive Director of DENR Region 11; Atty. Felix S. Alicer-Regional Executive Director of DENR Region 12; Nonito M. Tamayo, CESO IV-Regional Executive Director of DENR Region 13 and CENREO Saido U. Espirilo-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao who presented updates on the Protected Area Management Board Forest Reserves per region.
Date Posted: February 8, 2023 | 6:39 AM

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