13/02/2026
The APH's Hospital Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (HESU), driven by the guidance of Dr. Diana Rhea V. Garde and the dedicated leadership of Unit Head Ms. Kaycelyn B. Barles, RN, MSN (Nurse III), has successfully completed its comprehensive validation process conducted by the Cagayan Valley Center for Health Development–Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU), earning significant commendation from the Validation Team led by Health Program Officer II, Mr. Aldrin Pantaleon, RN (VPD Focal Person), for its continued commitment to public health standards.
The rigorous validation exercise evaluated all aspects of the unit’s operations, including disease surveillance protocols, data management systems, outbreak response procedures, and compliance with national health guidelines. The Validation Team highlighted that the unit’s proactive approach to monitoring health trends, maintaining accurate and timely records, and coordinating effectively with clinical departments set a strong benchmark for similar facilities.
Key areas of recognition included the unit’s advanced data analytics capabilities, which enable early detection of potential outbreaks, and the team’s deep expertise in epidemiological practices. Validators also noted the unit’s clear communication strategies, ensuring that critical information reaches relevant stakeholders promptly to support informed decision-making. Every component of the surveillance program was found to be well-structured and consistently implemented, reflecting the team’s dedication to safeguarding patient and community health.
In their final report, the validators stated that the HESU’s performance exceeded expectations and demonstrated a model approach to hospital-based epidemiology surveillance. They commended both individual team members and leadership for fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
This successful validation and the accompanying praise reinforce the unit’s role as a cornerstone of the hospital’s safety and quality initiatives, providing confidence in its ability to respond effectively to current and emerging public health challenges.
