By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 23 (PIA) – The Department of Health, Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD), region 10, has called on the residents of Northern Mindanao not to lower their guards in the fight against dengue.
Regional Director James S. Bernadas of the DOH-CHD 10 sounded the call even as the number of dengue cases in the region dropped, remarkably, compared to last year’s record.
Data at DOH-CHD 10 show a total of 1,058 dengue cases were admitted to the different sentinel hospitals, region-wide, from January 1 to August 11, this year.
“This is actually 76.56 percent lower compared to 4,514 cases during the same period, last year,” Bernadas said.
He also has acknowledged the efforts of the local government units (LGU) for activating their Barangay Anti-Dengue Task Forces and Brigades that initiate the massive information and awareness drive against dengue thru its 4S campaign:
Search and destroy mosquito breeding places, Self-protection through use of mosquito nets and wearing of long sleeve shirts and pants, Seek early consultation and treatment if symptoms persist, and Say no to indiscriminate fogging.
He, also, said that DOH-CHD 10 has placed the Mosquito Ovicidal/Larvicidal trap (OL Trap) to trap the female “Aedes aegypti” mosquitoes in strategic areas to stop them from propagating.
Despite this downtrend in the dengue incidence, however, Bernadas has directed the DOH-CHD 10 personnel to intensify the information and awareness drive in the field stressing that preventing dengue is always better than looking for money and medicines to get rid of it once it’s already there.
Meanwhile, Dr. Dave Mendoza, Chief of the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of DOH-CHD 10, said the ages of patients of the dengue cases ranged from one (1) month to 90 years of age or a median age of 10.8 years.
He said 56 percent of the patients were males and that there were four (4) deaths with a Case Fatality Rate of 0.38 percent.
The highest number of 507 cases or 48 percent came from the province of Misamis Oriental, followed by Misamis Occidental with 295 cases or 28 percent.
Lanao del Norte registered 201 cases or 19 percent, Bukidnon, 40 cases or 4.0 percent and Camiguin, 15 cases or 1.0 percent.
So far, only the province of Misamis Occidental posted an increase, from 197 to 295 cases or 75 percent rise in the number of dengue cases, compared to the same period, last year.
Those of the other provinces posted decreases: Misamis Oriental, from 1822 to 507 or a decline of 72.17 percent, Lanao del Norte, from 989 to 201 or a decline of 79.67 percent.
Bukidnon, from 1447 to 40 cases or a decline of 97.24 percent and Camiguin, from 59 to 15 cases or a decline of 74.58 percent. (DOH-CHD/PIA-10)
DOH, PHO Bukidnon warn public anew vs. leptospirosis
By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy
MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Aug. 23 (PIA) – As the decline in number of dengue cases were noted in the province, the Department of Health (DOH) and Provincial Health Office (PHO) alerts public on flood-related illness known as ”eptospirosis.”
Dr. Teresita Damasco, Provincial Health Officer, said we must be watchful of leptospirosis and work for its prevention.
DOH data show that from January to May this year, 454 leptospirosis cases were reported or 74.6% higher than the same period, last year, with only 260 cases recorded.
“Leptospirosis” is a bacterial infection, commonly transmitted to humans, from water that has been contaminated by animal urine, usually rats, and comes in contact with cuts in skin, eyes, or mucous membranes,” she said.
“Its symptoms include jaundice or yellowing of the skin, anemia, fever and meningitis,” Damasco said.
She also explained that the best defense against leptospirosis is not to wade in floodwaters in bare feet, or “if wading is necessary or cannot be prevented, one must wear protective boots,” she added.
“With this, cleanliness and sanitation activity is always our battle cry to fight flood-related diseases,” Damasco, further said. (PIA 10)
21 NorMin LGU’s receive the “seal of good housekeeping”
By Jorie C. Valcorza
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 23 (PIA) – At least 21 local government units (LGU) in Northern Mindanao were awarded the “Seal of Good Houskeeping (SGH)” for championing in transparency and accountability in their transactions.
Together with the seal, each LGU also received the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) of Php1.0 million for an excellent performance in local governance.
Given by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the award is in keeping with the advocacy for “Tapat na Pamamalakad,” LGU’s commitment to advance the promotion of good practices in local governance, Regional Director Loreto T. Bhagwani of DILG, region 10.
Last year the coverage of the SGH award only included the 4th to 6th class municipalities but has been expanded, this year, to include the component cities, highly urbanized cities (HUCs) and independent component cities (ICCs).
Bhagwani, likewise, appealed to the awardees, to give justice to the seal and continue with its admirable practices, such as, keeping an updated posting or disclosure of their local budget and finances, as well, as strict compliance to the anti-red tape act (ARTA).
The SGH is given based on the merits of a sound fiscal management, accountable and transparent governance, valuing performance management and other general impressions gathered like peace and order situation or simply on the visibility of the chief of executives in their area of responsibility.
These 21 recognized SGH qualifiers for this year include the following LGU’s: Damulog and Sumilao in Bukidnon and Mahinog in Camiguin.
Kauswagan, Kolambugan, Linamon, Magsaysay, Matungao, Munai, and Salvador in Lanao del Norte.
Aloran, Bonifacio, Don Victoriano, Lopez Jaena, Tudela, and Tangub City in Misamis Occidental, and Alubijid, Gitagum, laguindingan, Libertad and Sugbongcogon in Misamis Oriental.
Meanwhile, Bhagwani told awardees during their conferment in the city last week, “You may display the seal and bronze citation beside your logo as not all LGUs gets such credit.”
LGU Damulog is a two time qualifier of SGH, as it also won in 2010, together with LGU Naawan of Misamis Oriental, as well as the municipalities of Clarin and Calamba in Misamis Occidental.
Rhona P. Abadilla, SGH regional focal officer admited that few days after its implementation, SGH has evolved really fast, not only on the logo designs but more importantly on the substance of the project.
“What’s also good lately is that instead of only accomplishing the monitoring tool there has to be a regional validation prior to the nomination,” she added. (PIA 10)
27 displaced HSW’s from Mis. Occ. avail of OWWA’s Balik-Pinay, Balik-Hanapbuhay program
By Nestor Flores
OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Aug. 23 (PIA) – Some 27 displaced Household Service Workers (HSWs) from this province underwent a training on Native Snacks Preparation last August 17-18.
Held under the National Reintegration Center for Overseas Filipino Workers (NRCO) Balik-Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay Program, the activity was held at the Oroquieta Agro-Industrial School (OAIS), a training institution supervised by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
The “Balik Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay” Program is one of the income augmentation strategies of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) by providing livelihood opportunities through skills training and starter-kits, Regional Director Petronila M. Bergado of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), region 10, said.
The livelihood projects under this program are funded by NRCO through direct administration or through accredited OFW cooperatives, family circles and other associations under the supervision of OWWA Regional Offices, in partnership with TESDA Regional Offices and other training institutions.
Bergado said eligible beneficiaries of the program are women OFW’s displaced by hostilities and conflicts in the Arab Countries and other distressed and displaced women HSW’s.
Meanwhile, in her desire to finish the course, Lota Anduman, a former worker in Dubai, brought along her 6-month old baby to the training.
“This is a rare opportunity to avail of a free training like this. I might be able help my husband earn a living through this, so I brought my baby with me just to join the training,” she said.
During the closing ceremony, Angelita Gomez, another returning OFW, said she did not realize that what she had been searching for abroad, which is sustainable livelihood, is here in the Philippines.
“We all know how we sacrificed and suffered abroad, only to find out that the answer is here. Our only request now is for each of us to be given a moving cart in addition to the starter kit so we could sell our products,” Gomez added. (OWWA/PIA-10)
PMA Entrance Exam for Class 2016 is on Sunday, Aug. 28
CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City, Aug. 23 (PIA) – Interested applicants who want to join the Cadetship Program of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to compose the members of Class of 2016, are reminded of the conduct of its annual entrance examination (AEE) this coming Sunday, Aug. 28.
Maj. Gen. Victor A. Felix, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, said the examination will be held at the 4ID Gym, here, and will be simultaneously conducted in 37 testing centers all over the country to be facilitated by the PMA-Office of Cadet Admissions (OCA).
“This is part of the selection process in choosing ‘the best among the best’ of our youth, today, to become cadets who shall soon be given the rare opportunity to serve in the noble profession of arms as regular officers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” Felix said.
To qualify, an applicant must be a natural-born Filipino citizen, of good moral character, physically fit, with a minimum height of 5’4” if male, and 5’2” if female, single, never been married and must have not delivered or fathered a child.
At least a high school graduate with a general average of 85% or higher, he/she must at least be 17 years old, but not a day older than 22 years old, on 01 April of the year following the examination taken, which is the day of admission to PMA.
The premier military institution in the country, PMA offers benefits, privileges and opportunities to cadets that include pay and allowances while studying, a well-rounded college education, a guaranteed job after graduation and a progressive career as a regular officer in the three (3) major services of the AFP, the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force or Philippine Navy.
Applicants must bring the following documents/requirements to the examination venue on Aug. 28, the date of the exam:
Exam permit sent thru mail by OCA for regular applicants, or downloaded from the website for those who applied using the internet and photocopy of the Birth Certificate from the National Statistics Office (NSO).
Form 137 or School Report Card for high school applicants or transcript of records (TOR) for college applicants, two (2) 2x2 pictures with white background and Mongol Pencil #2. (4CMO/PIA-10)
Army’s 8IB CARES program benefit thousands of indigents in Mis. Or. hinterlands
CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 23 (PIA) --- Some 2,305 indigents from the hinterlands, here, and Lagonglong town benefited from the free basic services of the Philippine Army’s Community Assistance for Rural Empowerment through Social Services (CARES) Program, last August 9 to 18.
Anchored on the theme “Gugma ug Panaghiusa: Tulay sa Kalamboan” (Love and Unity: Bridge Towards Progress), CARES was launched by the 8th Infantry (DEPENDABLE) Battalion, PA, in Barangays Mat-i, Aposkahoy and Parmbugas, all of Claveria and Barangay Umagos, Lagonglong, during the period.
Lt. Col. Jose Ma. Cuerpo II, 8IB Commander, said the program aims to serve and deliver basic services to the people, especially, in the hinterland areas of the province, which is within its area of responsibility (AOR).
“We’ve been conducting Army CARES Programs in areas where we are to culminate our Peace and Development Operations. In fact, we had conducted the same in some barangays of Medina and Gingoog City, middle of this year,” Cuerpo said.
“This is because purely military operations remain inadequate solution to our decade-long problem on insurgency. We need complimentary and concerted efforts to address the issues of poverty, injustice, illiteracy and illnesses to achieve a lasting peace in the province,” he added.
The program kicked off with a Tree Planting activity where hundreds of Narra and Mahogany seedlings were jointly planted by the different heads of offices/agencies of the government in support to “National Greening Program (NGP).”
Prior to the delivery of free basic services, a Grand Pulong-Pulong (Barangay Forum) was also conducted to address the issues and concerns of the residents.
Historical records and verbal revelation of former rebels who have gone back to the folds of the law showed that one of the unanswered concerns is the weapons used by the CNN in instigating residents to join the armed group.
“My heartfelt gratitude goes to the Army, especially to the officers and men of 8IB for facilitating the government programs and services to reach or barangay,” William A. Senamin, Barangay Chairman (Village Chief) of Parmbugas, said.
“This program of the Army is very beneficial to our constituents, especially, to our poor families. I would also like to thank the local government unit (LGU) of Claveria and the province of Misamis Oriental for their support.”
Meanwhile, 1Lt. Jeorge Jallorina, 8IB’ CMO Officer, said the following number of beneficiaries availed of the CARES services:
Medical check-up and treatment with free medicines, 442 adults/children, tooth extraction, 247, milk and porridge feeding of malnourished children, 605, free weighing/ Timbang, 269, blood pressure taken, 314 , circumcision, 162, free haircut, 311, free blood-typing, 39 and blood donors, 16.
Also distributed, during the occasion were AM-FM transistor radios to selected residents for the purpose of informing the people of government’s projects and programs.
Congressman Peter M. Unabia also manifested his support by giving free scholarship grants to deserving students, Virgilia F. Dumadag, Political Officer III of his office, said.
Other participants of the program included the different heads and representatives of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), the Department of Agrarian Reform, MORESCO II, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). (8IB/PIA-10)
Lanao Norte LGU donates computer set to NCMF
By Vincent N. Labial
TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, Aug. 23 (PIA) – The provincial government of Lanao del Norte (PGLDN) has donated a brand-new computer set to the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) based at the Provincial Government Center, here.
“This is to enable the NCMF- Lanao del Norte to efficiently process the hajj documents of Muslim residents in this fast-rising province,” Gov. Khalid Dimaporo said, during its turn-over to Acting Provincial Director Sarah Lomondot Camama of NCMF, through the Provincial Community Affairs Office (PCAO), last Aug. 19.
“I would like to thank PGLDN, especially, Gov. Dimaporo for giving us this computer. This would be a great help to our work,” Camama expressed.
The desktop computer consisted of CPU, LCD screen, keyboard, mouse, audio speaker, and printer.
The NCMF was created by virtue of Republic Act 9997 or the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Act of 2009, to take over the functions of the abolished Office on Muslim Affairs (OMA), on Feb. 18, 2010.
The NCMF is tasked to provide ample protection to the estimated five (5) million Muslim Filipinos and give voice in governance.
As part of its 5-year strategic development plan, NCMF is also mandated to preserve the Islamic cultural heritage and to complement the administration's thrust for peace and development.
Presently, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos is headed by Secretary Bai Omera D. Dianalan Lucman. (PIO/PIA-10)
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