TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) has raised concerns over the persistent rise in cases of influenza-like illnesses (ILL) across Eastern Visayas, prompting a call for heightened precautions to mitigate further spread.

According to DOH data, the region witnessed a surge in ILL cases, with 968 reported cases in January alone, marking a 79% increase compared to the same period last year, which recorded 541 cases.

In a statement released on Tuesday (Feb.6), Jelyn Malibago, DOH regional information officer, underscored the urgency of preventive measures amidst the escalating numbers.
“As the prevalence of influenza-like illnesses continues to persist in our region, it is imperative to convey a vital message to the public,” she said.

Leyte province recorded the highest cases at 422 followed by Eastern Samar with 199 cases, Samar with 179 cases, Northern Samar with 95 cases, Southern Leyte with 72 cases, and one case in Biliran.

Symptoms of ILL include fever, cough, body aches, sore throat, and headaches, among others.

Malibago attributed the spike in cases to the ongoing rainy season, which often exacerbates respiratory illnesses.

“The surge of ILL cases in the region could be attributed to the rainy season being experienced,” she said.

In response to the situation, the DOH reiterated the importance of adopting preventive measures such as wearing facemasks, maintaining proper hand hygiene, adhering to cough etiquette, isolating oneself when exhibiting symptoms, and ensuring well-ventilated spaces.
Moreover, Malibago emphasized the critical role of vaccination in combating respiratory threats.

“We cannot underscore enough the pivotal role of vaccination in safeguarding against these respiratory threats,” she stressed.

“By emphasizing and prioritizing vaccination, we collectively contribute to building a resilient shield against the potential impact of these illnesses,” she added.

As the region grapples with the escalating ILL cases, health authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and proactive in adhering to preventive measures to curb the spread of respiratory illnesses.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

CATARMAN, Northern Samar– A mark of its compliance to the standards of excellence in good governance, the Provincial Government under the leadership of Governor Edwin Ongchuan, received the incentive for its 2023 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award.

On Tuesday (Feb.6),Board Member Don Abalon, accompanied by Assistant Provincial Treasurer Sannie Porteza, received the SGLG incentive amounting to P4 million from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) led by DILG 8 Regional Director Arnel Agabe.

DILG Northern Samar Provincial Director Geraldine Maquelabit also graced the awarding, along with other office officials.

Four municipalities of Northern Samar were also presented their SGLG incentives – San Roque, San Antonio, Catarman and Laoang.

The SGLG Incentive Fund, a Performance Challenge Fund provided to LGUS which passed the SGLG assessment, serves as a performance-based reform program of the national government thru the DILG to encourage convergence of local development initiatives with national development priorities.

Based on the SGLG Incentive Fund Guidelines, the fund can be used to finance high-impact local development projects supportive of the 10 areas of good financial administration, disaster preparedness, social protection and sensibility program, health compliance and responsiveness, sustainable education, business-friendliness, safety, peace and order, environmental management, tourism, heritage development, culture and the arts, and youth development. (THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)

NAVAL, Biliran-The Biliran Police Provincial Office (BPPO) has launched an anti-criminality project dubbed PEACE (Prevention, Enforcement, Assessment, Collaboration, and Enhancement) to enhance crime prevention strategies in the province.

“Biliran PPO is proud to launch another best practice that aims to make Biliran province the safest place to live, not only in Eastern Visayas but in the entire Philippines,” said Colonel Felix G. Gervacio Jr., BPPO director, during the launch of PEACE on February 2 at the Pulis Biliranon Multi-Purpose Hall inside the BPPO camp.

According to Gervacio, the PEACE-Biliran is a localized anti-criminality action plan that follows a systematic approach to prevent and address crime incidents in the province. It is represented by an acronym emphasizing the cyclical approach that police officers must follow to maintain peace and order in the country.

He mentioned that prevention, the initial phase of the anti-criminality project, requires an active partner, such as the Citizens Information Support Group (CISG), to support peace efforts in the province. They assist in monitoring, obtaining, and promptly relaying important information to law enforcement agencies and security groups.

He added that enforcement, the second word of the anti-criminality project, ensures that the police officers are committed to exerting their best efforts to utilize all available resources to identify perpetrators, file cases, and make arrests.

Gervacio highlighted that the A stands for assessment, which centers on police officers’ endeavors to examine the reasons for and shortcomings in crime prevention and identify the cause of the crime incident.

He stated that collaboration, the fourth word of the project, deals with resolving issues and restoring order with the assistance of other units and partner agencies.

He also identified some enhancements in the anti-criminality project, which utilizes simulations, tabletop exercises, and other methods based on careful assessment by police officers to implement crime prevention measures.

Recently, the Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas recognized the efforts made by the BPPO as a consistent performer in law enforcement operations. They achieved the highest crime clearance efficiency of 100 percent in 2023.

Brig. Gen. Robert Alexander A. Morico II, acting director of the PNP Directorate for intelligence and a former provincial director of the BPPO, attended the launch of PEACE-Biliran. (AAC/RSV/PIA Biliran)