Provincial Health Office Cagayan

04/12/2025

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | 𝗣𝗛𝗢 𝗖𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗬𝗔𝗡 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗡𝗦 𝗖𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗚𝗡 𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗧 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗘𝗥 𝗨𝗦𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗢𝗡

The Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Cagayan, through the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, conducted a Multi-Sectoral Consultative Meeting on Firecrackers to intensify efforts in monitoring and preventing injuries caused by fireworks during the upcoming New Year celebrations.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Local Youth Development Office, Chiefs of Hospitals, Municipal Health Officers, SB on Health, focal persons from both public and private hospitals, Rural Health Units (RHUs), Cagayan Valley Medical Center (CVMC), and Tuguegarao City People’s General Hospital (TCPGH). The gathering aimed to strengthen coordination and collaboration across sectors to ensure that firecracker-related accidents do not increase, while continuously reminding the public especially the youth of the importance of avoiding the use of fireworks.

According to PHO Cagayan data, it was revealed that young individuals aged 11 to 20 are the most commonly injured by fireworks such as kwitis, boga, plapla, five-star triangle, fountain, and others. The province recorded 17 cases in 2022–2023, 32 cases in 2023–2024, and 60 cases in 2024–2025, showing a continuous rise in incidents over the past three years.

As a result, PHO Cagayan has intensified its campaign to prevent injuries, particularly among the youth, with the goal of achieving zero firecracker-related injuries this Holiday Season.

The meeting also covered topics such as Hospital Preparedness and Management, Yuletide Incidents and Interventions, Oplan Iwas Paputok, the process for reporting incidents, and the DILG guidelines for barangay officials in implementing relevant actions and policies.

Meanwhile, Provincial Health Officer II, Dr. Rebecca Battung, thanked all the representatives and officials who attended the activity and encouraged continued cooperation to ensure the safety of every Cagayano and to achieve a zero case rate for firecracker injuries this Holiday Season.

04/12/2025

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | 𝗝𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗧 𝗧𝗕–𝗟𝗘𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗬 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 𝗕𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗣𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦, 𝗞𝗘𝗬 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦, 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗔

The Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Cagayan recently hosted a Consultative Meeting to advance efforts in managing and preventing tuberculosis (TB) and leprosy. This gathering, held on November 20, 2025, brought together key healthcare professionals dedicated to improving the care and management of these diseases in the region.

Dr. Rebecca C. Battung, the Provincial Health Officer II, led the meeting, and was joined by the Coordinators Ms. Lemarie B. Usita, Medical Technologist III, and Ms. Domini Princess P. Balisi, Nurse II. Additionally, experts like Dr. Karen Mae Padilla, CV-CHD Leprosy Coordinator, and Dr. Robin Zingapan, CHO of Tuguegarao, contributed valuable insights into the discussions.

The agenda of the meeting centered around sharing best practices, providing updates on current efforts, and celebrating the milestones achieved in the fight against TB and leprosy. A key theme throughout the discussions was the importance of collaboration among healthcare professionals. The meeting highlighted how collective efforts can significantly enhance patient care and support communities affected by these diseases. By working together, the participants underscored the strength of unity in tackling public health challenges.

One of the key features of the gathering was a comprehensive review of the latest data on TB and leprosy. This review provided important insights into the progress that has been made in managing these diseases, as well as areas that require further attention. The data-driven approach will help refine ongoing and future healthcare strategies, ensuring that interventions are tailored to meet the evolving needs of the population. By staying responsive to these needs, the healthcare system can remain effective in addressing the challenges posed by these diseases.

The PHO expressed its sincere gratitude to all participants for their commitment and collaboration during the meeting. The success of this consultative gathering serves as a testament to the power of cooperation in improving public health outcomes.
Thanks to the collective efforts of these dedicated healthcare professionals, the region is steadily moving towards a healthier, more connected future, with a strong foundation for ongoing disease management and prevention.

04/12/2025

🌟 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲! 🌟

Let's break the stigma and open the discussion about HIV and sexual health. 💬 It all begins at home. Make sure your family is well-informed and protected!

Here’s how we can help:
✅ Avoid judgment when discussing HIV at home.
✅ Spread accurate information to raise awareness on sexual health.
✅ Guide the youth towards safe and responsible health practices.

01/12/2025

𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 | 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗔𝗰𝘂𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀

Send a message to learn more

29/11/2025

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗔𝗰𝘂𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀

To enhance the skills of local healthcare workers and strengthen grassroots healthcare, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Cagayan, in collaboration with the Cagayan Valley Center for Health Development, organized a three-day training event for Barangay Health Worker Presidents from various municipalities in Cagayan, held from November 26-28, 2025, in Sanchez Mira, Cagayan. The training focused on acupressure, herbal medicine, and health promotion strategies, with the aim of integrating traditional healing practices into modern healthcare systems.

Under the leadership of Dr. Rebecca C. Battung, Provincial Health Officer II, and her team Ms. Rosefe A. Ancheta, HEPO II, Provincial BHW Coordinator; Mr. Tristan Astrid A. del Rosario, HEPO II; Ms. Mary Rose Macarubbo, Sanitary Inspector I, Provincial BHW Co-coordinator in collaboration with the Cagayan Valley Center for Health Development, with Ms. Maria Kristina Reyes, SHPO; Ms. Paulene Keith Atal, HEPO III; Mr. Chester Dalupan and Rural Health Unit of Sanchez Mira, Dr. Vivien G. Cachapero, MHO and Ms. Thelma Martinez, GIDA Coordinator.

The first day was opened by Dr. Rebecca C. Battung, who emphasized the importance of integrating traditional healing practices into modern healthcare systems. Mr. Bernard Collado, Farm Supervisor at PITAHC, introduced the principles and benefits of acupressure, followed by a hands-on demonstration of basic acupressure points. Ms. Lorna Agpaua, Advocacy Staff at PITAHC, also demonstrated how to make ointments and syrups for health applications, which was a highlight for attendees eager to explore alternative health solutions.

The second day focused on further expanding the BHWs' knowledge with a hands-on review of acupressure techniques, guided by Mr. Bernard. Ms. Lorna also led a session on the benefits of herbal medicinal plants.

The final day culminated in a community practicum in Pureg, a GIDA Barangay, where BHWs applied their skills in real-world settings. The NBLB Vehicle and NCDH Ambulance assisted in ferrying the BHWs to the venue, emphasizing the collaborative efforts across barangays. The training concluded with an assessment session, a post-test, and the awarding of certificates to both participants and facilitators.

This initiative is a testament to the PHO’s commitment to empowering communities through education and skill-building, improving healthcare, and enhancing overall well-being across Sanchez Mira and beyond. By equipping Barangay Health Workers with the tools and knowledge needed to promote health in their communities, the event ensured that healthcare becomes more accessible and effective at the grassroots level.

29/11/2025

🌧️ 𝙏𝘼𝙂-𝙐𝙇𝘼𝙉 𝙉𝘼 𝙉𝘼𝙈𝘼𝙉! 🌧️
Bantayan ang kalusugan ngayong tag-ulan! 💧
⚠️ Ang mga sakit gaya ng:
Waterborne Diseases (dahil sa maruming tubig)
Leptospirosis (mula sa ihi ng daga sa baha)
Influenza-like Illnesses (trangkaso, ubo, lagnat)
Dengue (mula sa lamok na Aedes aegypti)
ay maaring maging banta sa ating kalusugan.
Labanan ang W.I.L.D!
W: Tumutok sa mga anunsyo ng PAGASA para sa lagay ng panahon.
I: Iwasan ang paglabas ng bahay kapag may sakit o umuulan ng malakas.
L: Laging gawin ang 4T: Taob, Taktak, Tuyo, Takip para walang lamok.
D: Dali-daling kumonsulta kapag masama ang pakiramdam.
Ingat tayo, mga Cagayanos! Panatilihing ligtas at malusog ang pamilya ngayong tag-ulan!

🌧️ 𝙏𝘼𝙂-𝙐𝙇𝘼𝙉 𝙉𝘼 𝙉𝘼𝙈𝘼𝙉! 🌧️

Bantayan ang kalusugan ngayong tag-ulan! 💧

⚠️ Ang mga sakit gaya ng:

Waterborne Diseases (dahil sa maruming tubig)
Leptospirosis (mula sa ihi ng daga sa baha)
Influenza-like Illnesses (trangkaso, ubo, lagnat)
Dengue (mula sa lamok na Aedes aegypti)

ay maaring maging banta sa ating kalusugan.

Labanan ang W.I.L.D!
W: Tumutok sa mga anunsyo ng PAGASA para sa lagay ng panahon.
I: Iwasan ang paglabas ng bahay kapag may sakit o umuulan ng malakas.
L: Laging gawin ang 4T: Taob, Taktak, Tuyo, Takip para walang lamok.
D: Dali-daling kumonsulta kapag masama ang pakiramdam.

Ingat tayo, mga Cagayanos! Panatilihing ligtas at malusog ang pamilya ngayong tag-ulan!

28/11/2025

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 | 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐢𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬

From November 17 to 21, 2025, an essential training program took place to enhance the emergency response and psychological support capabilities of the staff at Last Mile Elementary Schools in Cagayan. Officially opened by Dr. Rebecca C. Battung, Provincial Health Officer II, and Dr. Reynante Z. Caliguiran, Schools Division Superintendent of Cagayan, this initiative aimed to equip school personnel, including school heads, teachers, and administrative officers, with life-saving and psychological first aid skills.

The program was organized by the Provincial Health Office (PHO) Cagayan, together with the Health Education and Promotion Officers, Ms. Rosefe A. Ancheta and Mr. Tristan Astrid A. del Rosario, in collaboration with the Cagayan Valley Center for Health Development (CV-CHD) and the Schools Division Office (SDO) Cagayan. Dr. Albert Canceran and his team, along with the Health Promotion Unit of CV-CHD, including Mr. James Corpus, HPO II, Mr. Nickson Cammayo, HPO I, and Ms. Faye Anne De Guzman, HPO I also provided valuable support.

The first two days of the training focused on Basic Life Support (BLS), where participants gained critical emergency care skills. Led by experts such as Mr. Jay-ar P. Benitez, Provincial DRRM-H Manager, the sessions covered Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), and managing airway obstructions. Facilitators, including Mr. Gilbert Bulauan, PDRRMO-Isabela, and Ms. Aiko Lampitoc, Nurse at GFNDMH, guided participants through demonstrations and return demonstrations to ensure their readiness for real-life emergency situations. Additional facilitators like Mr. Mark Anthony Gallardo, from PDRRMO-Isabela, and Ms. Grace Domingo, from LGU Luna Isabela, also contributed to these practical sessions.

The third and fourth days of the training focused on Psychological First Aid (PFA), led by Ms. Christina V. Batan, Psychologist II and Mr. Monte Carlo Orosco, Nurse III from CVMC Behavioral Medicine. The participants learned key PFA skills such as listening, empathy, stress management, and self-care, with an emphasis on supporting students and colleagues in times of trauma. The training also covered how to identify emotional needs and make appropriate referrals for professional mental health support.

The program concluded on November 21, 2025, with a graduation ceremony, where Dr. Albert Canceran, delivered a closing message. This initiative, supported all the facilitators, significantly enhanced the preparedness of school staff to respond effectively to both physical and emotional crises. The knowledge gained from this program will ensure that the staff at Last Mile Elementary Schools are better equipped to support the health and well-being of their students and colleagues in times of emergency.

25/11/2025

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 | 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

On October 24, 2025, the Provincial Health Office of Cagayan, in collaboration with the Cagayan Valley Center for Health Development (CVCHD) Health Promotion Unit (HPU), organized the Mental Health Awareness and Support Training for school heads from across the province. The event aimed to provide school leaders with the tools and knowledge to recognize, support, and refer individuals facing mental health issues in their schools. The training was designed to ensure that school heads are equipped to handle mental health concerns in students and faculty, creating a more supportive and inclusive school environment.

The day began with an insightful overview of mental health and its significance in schools by Ms. Ma. Sarinah T. Trinidad, Nurse III This was followed by Ms. Bettina Bacuyag, HPO I who dispelled myths surrounding mental health, providing the participants with factual information to challenge misconceptions. Ms. Celene Heloise C. Miguel, Psychologist II then led a session on identifying the warning signs and symptoms of mental health issues, stressing the importance of early intervention to prevent escalation. The training was facilitated by Mr. Tristan Astrid A. Del Rosario, HEPO II, and supported by the CV-CHD HPU team, including Mr. James Corpuz, HPO II, Mr. Nickson Cammayo, HPO I, and Ms. Faye Anne De Guzman, HPO I.

In the afternoon, Dr. Rebecca C. Battung, Provincial Health Officer III, delivered an inspiring message that highlighted the critical role of school heads in fostering mental health awareness. She emphasized that creating a supportive environment in schools is essential for the well-being of students and staff. Dr. Battung encouraged all participants to integrate mental health initiatives into their institutions and urged them to establish peer support groups and improve referral skills to ensure that those in need receive the care and attention they deserve.

The day concluded with the awarding of certificates and closing remarks, marking the successful completion of the training. The Provincial Health Office of Cagayan expressed gratitude to all participants, facilitators, and resource speakers who contributed to the success of the event. By working together, we can build a culture of care and understanding that prioritizes mental health in our schools and communities.

25/11/2025

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 | 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧: 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐄𝐎𝐇 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 & 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐬

The Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH) Program continues to make strides in ensuring the health and safety of communities across Cagayan. During the recent 2025 Program Implementation Review (PIR) last November 19, 2025, key stakeholders, including Sanitary Inspectors from various municipalities, gathered to assess the progress, challenges, and future plans of the program.

As shared by Engr. Felizardo Taguiam Jr., Engineer III, and Ms. Mary Rose Macarubbo, Sanitary Inspector I, the EOH program covers a wide range of health initiatives, such as the prevention of Dengue, Leptospirosis, food and waterborne diseases, and other infectious conditions. With Cagayan’s current achievement of 60.71% (as of September 2025 FHSIS data), there is still a significant gap from the target of 78.01% for 2025, a key performance indicator for the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG).

However, Engr. Taguiam remains optimistic, highlighting that with the full support of the Local Government Units (LGUs), the program can still achieve its goals. He also shared that the province has allocated Php 7.688 million to purchase crucial equipment like Portable Testing Kits and Reagents, assisting LGUs in reaching 100% Safely Managed Drinking Water.

The program's success also relies on efforts to combat open defecation, with only the LGUs of Solana, Camalaniugan, and Sanchez Mira achieving the coveted Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) certification.

As we look forward to 2026, Engr. Taguiam and Ms. Macarubbo encourage all LGUs to step up and ensure that health measures reach every community. Together, we can build a healthier, safer Cagayan!

25/11/2025

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 | 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲, 𝐏𝐇𝐎 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐄𝐋𝐌𝐈𝐒 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩

The Provincial Health Office successfully held the ELMIS Workshop last October 29, 2025, at Hotel Carmelita, Tuguegarao City, with Nurse III Lovely C. Timmanan serving as facilitator. The training aimed to strengthen the capacities of Rural Health Units (RHUs) by equipping participants with essential knowledge and skills in logistics management. Sessions covered the status of ELMIS implementation in the province, system utilization, and a hands-on workshop guided by ELMIS Focal Persons from the Cagayan Valley Center for Health Development.

Through the workshop, RHU and PHO staff gained valuable insights into efficient logistics practices, standardized reporting procedures, and the importance of using ELMIS data for informed decision-making. The practical, hands-on approach ensured that participants not only understood the system but were able to apply the concepts directly, reinforcing their capability to ensure the availability of essential medicines and supplies across their respective areas.

Moving forward, the PHO encourages the sharing of best practices among RHUs and aims to explore further integration of ELMIS with other health information systems to improve data exchange and interoperability. With strengthened logistics management and enhanced coordination, the PHO remains committed to building a more responsive, data-driven, and efficient healthcare delivery system for all Cagayanos.

09/11/2025

𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐀 𝐌𝐆𝐀 𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐒𝐋𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐎 𝐏𝐀𝐆𝐆𝐔𝐇𝐎 𝐍𝐆 𝐋𝐔𝐏𝐀!

Matapos ang malalakas na pag-ulan, maaaring magdulot ito ng landslide o pagguho ng lupa, lalo na sa mga matataas o bulubunduking lugar. Mag-ingat po tayo at maging alerto sa mga senyales ng posibleng landslide:

⚠️ Bitak sa lupa o pader
⚠️ Biglaang paglabas ng tubig o putik mula sa lupa o pader
⚠️ Pagtabing ng poste, bakod, o puno
⚠️ Hirap sa pagbukas ng mga bintana o pintuan dahil sa paggalaw ng lupa

Mag-ingat, mga kababayan! Ang inyong kaligtasan ay ang aming priority.

08/11/2025

🚨 𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐘 𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐍𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐒 🚨

For quick response in case of emergencies.