TACLOBAN CITY — House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan has sought a congressional inquiry into the government’s efforts to combat schistosomiasis, citing the continued spread of the disease in dozens of provinces despite years of prevention and control programs.

Libanan, together with Eastern Samar Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales, filed House Resolution No. 1059 urging the House Committee on Health to investigate, in aid of legislation, the implementation and effectiveness of the Department of Health’s Schistosomiasis Control and Elimination Program (SCEP).

The resolution seeks to determine why schistosomiasis, commonly known as “snail fever,” remains endemic in several rural communities across the Visayas and Mindanao, where it continues to affect farmers, fisherfolk, and their families.

“Schistosomiasis is one of those diseases that has remained neglected largely because it disproportionately strikes the poorest and most vulnerable Filipinos—subsistence farmers, fisherfolk, and their children,” Libanan, a representative of the 4Ps Party-list, said in a statement.

“For many families living in endemic areas, exposure to infested freshwater is an unavoidable part of daily life and livelihood. Yet despite years of government interventions, the disease continues to persist in many communities,” he added.

According to the resolution, schistosomiasis remains a major public health concern in at least 28 provinces, particularly in rural and agricultural areas of the Visayas and Mindanao, including parts of Eastern Visayas, Caraga, and Northern Mindanao.

The disease is caused by the parasite Schistosoma japonicum, which is transmitted through contact with freshwater contaminated by infected snails. It can cause chronic abdominal pain, diarrhea, liver enlargement, anemia, stunted growth among children, reduced physical capacity, and severe organ damage in advanced cases.

Libanan, who holds a degree in medical technology, stressed the need to identify policy and implementation gaps that may be hampering efforts to eliminate the disease.

“We have to identify the policy and implementation gaps that allow this preventable disease to persist. Every year that schistosomiasis remains endemic, it exacts a heavy toll on the health, productivity, and economic well-being of affected families,” he said.

The DOH’s Schistosomiasis Control and Elimination Program employs a multi-pronged strategy that includes annual mass drug administration, snail control measures, disease surveillance, sanitation initiatives, and public health education campaigns.

However, Libanan noted that ongoing transmission in endemic communities points to continuing challenges related to program coverage, treatment compliance, environmental management, and coordination among government agencies.

The resolution also underscores the complexity of eliminating schistosomiasis because the parasite infects not only humans but also animals such as carabaos, cattle, and dogs, which can serve as disease reservoirs and contribute to continued transmission.

Under the resolution, the House Committee on Health is encouraged to explore recommendations that may include increased funding, expanded mass drug administration campaigns, improved water and sanitation infrastructure, stronger inter-agency coordination, veterinary interventions targeting animal reservoirs, and sustained community education efforts.

“The continued presence of schistosomiasis is not only a public health issue; it is also a rural development and anti-poverty issue. The government must ensure that vulnerable communities are no longer left behind in the fight against this debilitating disease,” Libanan said.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

ORMOC CITY — A morning fire gutted a house and damaged a neighboring residence in Barangay Tenani, Paranas, Samar on Saturday, June 13, causing an estimated P90,000 in property damage but leaving no one injured.

Police identified the affected homeowners only by their aliases, “Maria,” 58, a housewife, and “Manny,” 50, a farmer. Both are residents of Purok 5 in Barangay Tenani.

According to the Paranas Municipal Police Station, authorities received a report about the fire at around 10:35 a.m. from a concerned citizen. Responding personnel from the police, the Paranas Fire Station, and the Paranas Emergency Responders and Rescue Team (PERRT) immediately proceeded to the area.

Upon arrival, responders found the two houses already engulfed in flames. Police secured the area while firefighters worked to contain and extinguish the blaze.

Initial investigation by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Paranas showed that the fire originated from the residence of “Maria,” which was completely destroyed. The flames later spread to the adjacent house owned by “Manny,” causing partial damage to the structure.
Firefighters declared the blaze under control at around 11:05 a.m. and fully extinguished it by 11:15 a.m.

Authorities estimated the total damage to property at P90,000.

No casualties or injuries were reported.

Police said they coordinated with the Paranas Fire Station for the official fire investigation report as authorities continue to determine the exact cause of the incident.

(ROBERT DEJON)

Catarman N. Samar– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)- Northern Samar 1st District Engineering Office completed a one-storey, three-classroom school building at Guba Elementary School in Brgy. Guba Catarman, Northern Samar.

The project with a total floor area of 290.17 square meters, includes site preparation works such as clearing, grubbing, and removal of existing obstructions and structures. It also involves the construction of CHB gutters, handwashing stations on both sides of the facility, a PWD-compliant ramp with handrails, window grills for front and rear windows, a parapet wall, and toilet facilities aimed at improving accessibility, safety, and sanitation.

DPWH Northern Samar 1st District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio highlighted the importance of the newly constructed classrooms to both students and residents of the community.

“The new classrooms are a significant benefit to students and residents, particularly those living in this remote area. They provide easier access to education by reducing the need for students to travel long distances each day. The facilities offer a more convenient and conducive learning environment, helping improve school attendance and supporting the community’s educational development,” Ignacio said.

Moreover, Teacher Ana Liza T. Recare expressed her gratitude for the completion of the project, saying the new classrooms will greatly help the school, especially during flooding, by providing a safer and more conducive learning environment for students.

“Nagpapasalamat kami nga natagan kami sin sugad nga eskwelahan.Una,na-elevate an am eskwelahan kay barahaon didi.panahon ngane sin baha,damo nga gamit an na-dadamage sa amon,damo an gamit nga kanugon la. Pag nag-uuran talaga, cancel amon klase kay ginbabaraha man kami sa sulod. Sa yana bisan mag-uran or magbaha-baha, continue am an klase, kaya tuloy-tuloy an learning sa kabataan.” Recare emphasized.

“An mga makakatagamtam sine nga mga studyante is around 80 plus an am enrollment.An learning sine mg-iincrease ngan an ability san reading kay syempre mayda na kami maupay ngan condusive nga classroom,” Teacher Ricare further stated.

The project was implemented in collaboration with the Department of Education wherein P9.89 million was earmarked through the 2025 Basic Educational Facilities Fund.

(ANALIZA A. PABIA/PR)