Salud Bikolnon Edition no. 19

Salud Bikolnon I July - September 2017

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SaludBIKOLNON

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REGIONAL OFFICE V Health Promotion Unit Legazpi City, Albay Tel. No. : (052) 483-5656 loc. 551 Email: dohbicolhpu@gmail.com www.ro5.doh.gov.ph www.facebook.com/dohbicol

The COVER SURGICAL CARAVAN. To realize the goal of “Health for All”, the Department of Health Surgical Caravan dubbed as “ToDOH

Alaga, May TSeKaP na, May Operasyon Pa” served 977 indigent patients in Bicol through the collaboration of DOH hospitals and Local Government Units. This initiative is a follow-up of the Oplan Tsekap program aimed at the provision of surgical intervention to those who were screened and diagnosed.

This is tailored to offer operations, ranging from minor to major cases, at no cost to indigent patients in need of surgical procedures.

EDITORIAL

NEXT Issue . . .

Board & Staff

Chairman Napoleon L. Arevalo, MD, MPH

OIC - Director IV

Vice Chairman Ernie V. Vera, MD, MPH, CHA

Director III

Members

2017 Highlights. The next issue will feature the year’s highlights in health outcomes and program implementation and initiatives. The year has been fruitful for the Department of Health as well as health partners and Rural Health Units in uplifting the health of Bicolanos.

Want your STORY published?

Contribute your write-ups to Salud Bikolnon Magazine! Submit your feature story of a program or best practice, literary about health or interesting photos to our email dohbicolhpu@gmail.com and get it published.

Norberto A. Balane, Jr., CPA, MPA Arnulfo C. Carandang, MD, MPH Alan Lucañas, MD Ms. Noemi A. Bron, HEPO III Mr. Kenn S. Nuyda, HEPO II Ms. Noemi A. Bron, HEPO III

Editor-in-Chief Associate Editor Mr. Kenn S. Nuyda, HEPO II Writer & Layout Artist Danica D. Caballero Photographer / Sharon B. Besmonte Circulation-in-Charge Crisostomo Dado, Jr. Cover design Regner Almojuela, Jr.

Contributors Kenn Brian Perez Ma. Aura Ermina C. Tandog Aurora Nira Dela Cruz Ferdinand M. Brizo Pauline Kaye Briquillo Pitallano Romnick Magdaraog Dr. Raoul Emmanuel Zantua, MPH Dr. Mary Jane Guazon Uy Regina V. Gonzalgo

IN THIS ISSUE 4

DOH uplifts public

6

BRTTH bags Gawad Kalasag

8

BMC bags Hospital Week

10

Nom! Nadale! Community-

12

DOH advises public to

awareness on eye care Award for Best Hospital Championship

Based Theater Group

practice self-protective measures to prevent Japanese Encephalitis

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DOH Surgical Caravan serves poor patients in Bicol

Health Headlines DOH uplifts public awareness on eye care Eighty percent of the causes of blindness can be prevented with early detection and cure.

(left) DOH RO V personnel leads the Walk for Sight. (right) Specialists from the Bicol Eye Center offer free services to participants.

In observance of the Sight Saving Month, the Department of Health Regional Office V through the Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control held the Walk for Sight on August 8, 2017 in Legazpi City. The theme, “Mas makikita ang forever, kung eyesight ay better”, underscores the importance of regular eye check-ups, proper eye care and prevention of blindness and eye diseases.

The activity preceded with a walk at six in the morning from Albay Peñaranda Park to the DOH Healthy Lifestyle Complex where a brief discussion on eye care was relayed to the participants. The highlight of the activity was the free Visual Acuity Screening provided both by the Legazpi Eye Center and Bicol Eye Center.

“Everyone should make effort in taking care of their eyes,” said Dr. Evy R. Sarmiento, NCDPC cluster head. “One should lessen eye strains especially nowadays that we are immersed on using computers, mobile phones and other gadgets. And once we notice change in our vision, like when there is a white spot in our eye lens or what we call cataract, we should consult with our ophthalmologist immediately.”

Every August, the Department of Health aims to encourage all Filipinos aged 12 years and above to undergo an eye

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Salud Bikolnon I July - September 2017

examination in observance of the Sight Saving Month to support efforts in reducing the prevalence of avoidable blindness in the country.

According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report in June 2012, approximately 285 million people worldwide are visually impaired, with 39 million blind and 246 million with low vision. Of all visual impairment, 80% can be avoided or cured, which includes avoidable and treatable conditions like cataract, error of refraction, and childhood blindness./ddc

Dr. Evy Sarmiento gives insight about eye care and blindness prevention after the walk.

Local “Bakuna Boys” perform the Back to Bakuna dance during the activity.

Health and Nutrition Summit 4-in-1

by AURORA NIRA SANTIAGO-DELA CRUZ Development and Management Officer IV Provincial DOH Camarines Sur

The Local Government of Libmanan in Camarines Sur headed by Mayor Bernard P. Brioso together with the Provincial Health Office of Camarines Sur, Municipal Health Office of Libmanan and the Department of Health Regional Office V conducted the Health and Nutrition Summit 4-in-1 on August 30, 2017 .

The participants were from different sectors of the community including pregnant, children and senior citizens. Health personnel headed by the Municipal Health Officer Dr. Eduardo P. Madrigalejo were also present as well as the LGU officials including Sangguniang Bayan councilors, Hon. Wilma P. Carios and Hon. Gerardo Atienza. Dr. Napoleon L. Arevalo, OIC Regional Director of DOH RO V was the guest of honor.

It was called 4-in-1 because it highlighted four programs and projects. First, the launching cum endorsement of the newly established Rural Health Unit 3 of Libmanan.

It was formally introduced to ten covered upland and coastal barangays identified as Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) along with its health staff headed by the Rural Health Physician Dr. Rodrigo Ricardo L. Patacsil.

Second, the health summit is a culminating event after a

series of community deep-diving activities of Mayor Brioso as part of his 100-day plan for the Municipal Leadership and Governance Program. Deep-diving is Mayor Brioso’s leadership learning journey through direct experiencing the challenges of a system from the perspective of other stakeholders, specially the community people. It was done through barangay visits with randomly selected households and families.

Part of the 4-in-1 was the launching of “Back To BAKuna” communication campaign, following DOH Department Memorandum No. 2017-0307. It was launched through reproduction and displaying of the recommended IEC materials such as posters and tarpaulins. The video was also made live and interpreted by NDP nurses as the “Bakuna Boys”.

The fourth of the 4-in-1 is the special event included in the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Work Plan that need to be implemented since Libmanan is included in the Accelerated Sustainable Anti-Poverty Program (ASAPP) area of the National Nutrition Council (NNC). Health booths were prepared for mother and child (vaccination, prenatal postnatal etc.), nutrition, senior citizens and took the chance also for the “Oplan Tsekap”.

Salud Bikolnon I July - September 2017

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Health Headlines BRTTH bags Gawad Kalasag Award for Best Hospital

by Kenn Brian Perez Health Education and Promotion Officer III Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital

The Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital has been conferred the Best Hospital (Government National Category) in the 2017 Regional Gawad KALASAG Search held last September 7, 2017 at Hotel St. Ellis, Legazpi City.

Recognizing the efforts of various agencies in strengthening the resilience and adaptive capacities to disaster risks, the Gawad KALASAG Search for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Humanitarian Assistance was hosted and facilitated by the Office of the Civil Defense V with the leadership of OCD 5 OIC Regional Director Eugene G. Cabrera.

The Gawad Kalasag which stands for “KAlamidad at Sakuna LAban, SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan”, is the country’s premier annual awards for outstanding contribution in the fields of disaster risk reduction and management and humanitarian action. It is the principal mechanism by which the National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council (NDRRMC) advances awareness of the best practices of DRRM and humanitarian response and assistance.

The Office of Civil Defense Regional Office 5 awards BRTTH the 1st place in the Government Hospital Category.

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Salud Bikolnon I July - September 2017

(left) The Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH) personnel lead the fun walk during the Safe Kids Week celebration. (right) Ms. Maricar Butalid and Ms. Grace Rojas of the Land Transportation Office demonstrates the proper position when riding a motorcycle with a child.

Safe Kids Week celebration highlights road safety

by Kenn Brian Perez Health Education and Promotion Officer III Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital

The Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH) through the Public Health Unit, Department of Pediatrics and the Health Emergency Management Staff led the celebration of the National Safe Kids Week with the theme “Road Safety for Kids” on June 23, 2017 in Legazpi City.

It was participated by agencies including the Department of Health, Philippine National Police, Land Transportation Office (LTO), Albay Central School and Riders Group.

A Fun Walk Parade from BRTTH Park to Albay Central School Gymnasium commenced the advocacy campaign. It was followed by a forum on “Road Safety for Kids” where Dr. Raoul Emmanuel O. Zantua, BRTTH PHU Head, welcomed the parents and pupils of Albay Central School. Dr. Salvacion S. Macinas, BRTTH Chief of Medical Professional Staff, also gave her inspirational message. The Health Education Promotion Officer (HEPO) III of DOH RO V, Ms. Noemi Bron also delivered her message of support.

A brief introduction on Safe Kids’ Week was given by the Pediatric Consultant Dr. Arlene P. Calleja followed by a discussion on R.A. 10666 otherwise known as the “Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015” by invited speakers from

LTO Legazpi City District, Ms. Maricar Butalid, and LTO Iriga, Ms. Grace Rojas. The LTO personnel emphasized to the participants the appropriate age and restrictions when riding on a motorcycle. The “Status on the implementation of RA 10666” was also discussed by Police Supt. Frande G. Echaluce Chief, Complaint Referral Action Center from PNP Regional Office V, Legazpi City. Dr. Victor Angelo Colina, BRTTH HEMS Officer discussed first aid on Motorcycle Accidents involving children. A short demo on basic life support was also given by Dr. Colina stressing the importance of remembering the 3C’sCall, Check and Compress.

After all the guest speakers shared their expertise, fun games, prizes and snacks were given to the participants. A commitment message on the compliance to RA 10666 was given by the Team RS Bicol Chapter-Riders Association, DepEd Representative, Albay Central School Principal and PTA President with the participation of the respective parents of Kinder and Grade 1 pupils of Albay Central School.

As a support to this initiative, participants pledged and affirmed in promoting road safety for kids.

Salud Bikolnon I July - September 2017

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The Bicol Medical Center team, headed by Dr. Ma. Estrella Litam, smiles for a photo during the awarding ceremony.

BMC bags Hospital Week

Championship

(left) The Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH) team receives the trophy . (right) The Provincial Health Office of Sorsogon team smiles for a souvenir photo during the awarding.

Reaping a total of 546 points, the Bicol Medical Center (BMC) out-scored last year’s champion, Bicol Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH), during the Hospital Week Celebration on August 7-11, 2017 in Naga City.

The theme, “Quality Integrated Health Services through Strengthened Service Delivery Networks in Bicol Region”, highlights the importance of strong network among hospitals and government health facilities.

Fifteen hospitals joined this year’s celebration. The BRTTH scored a total of 446 points at second place followed by the Provincial Health Office of Sorsogon with 316 points in third place. The Department of Health Regional Office V was at fourth place with 281 points followed by Josefa Memorial Hospital in fifth place at 255 points.

The Bicol Sanitarium, MMG Hospital, NICC Doctor’s Hospital, BAHC, Mother Seaton Hospital, Camp Elias, NCH and the Provincial Health Offices of Camarines Sur, Catandaunes, Camarines Norte and Albay also joined and competed during the games.

The participants rivalled with each other in ball games, board games, laro ng lahi, triathlon,cheer dance competition and search for mister and miss hospital week. This year’s celebration also included battle of the bands, billiards demo game, firing, and exhibit of services. /ddc

Nom! Nadale!

Community-Based Theater Group

by Pauline Kaye Briquillo Pitallano Rural Health Midwife Program Rural Health Unit - Presentacion, Camarines Sur

Staging a play which depicts some of the health issues in our country is another form of Information Education Communication (IEC) informing the public of the present social issues in the community.

Instead of conducting seminars, giving pamphlets or talk

Theater Arts Workshop on Basic Acting which was attended

shows, Dr. Maria Ira A. Bisuña who is part of the Doctor To

by students, mothers, teachers and the Rural Health Unit

The Barrio (DTTB) and the officer-in-charge Municipal Health

staff. From this group, they selected the cast of the stage

Officer of Presentacion, Camarines Sur decided to “attack”

play and formed the officers of the Community-Based Theater

health concerns in a more engaging way.

Group of Presentacion.

Nom! Nadale! (See? Look what happened!), a stage play

The theater group composed of junior and senior high

which shows the different health issues in Presentacion,

school students, college students, teenage mothers, private

began on June 2017. This new health promotion strategy

employees and health care providers.

aims to touch the viewers’ lives and help them realize the

performed in ten barangays of Presentacion including Sta.

health problems that our country is facing nowadays and

Maria, Bulalacao, Baliguian, Bitaogan, Maangas, Ayugao,

its possible solutions. The group depicts family-oriented

Pagsangaan, Tanawan, Bicalen, Lidong and to nearby towns

plays focusing on its five main health problems including

including Garchitorena, Goa, San Jose and Calabanga in

poverty, teenage and high-risk pregnancy, family planning,

Camarines Sur.

malnutrition and tuberculosis.

This project headed by Dr. Bisuña is funded by the Adventist

The proponents conducted a small group discussion with

Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), a Non Government

teenage mothers and mothers of malnourished children to

Organization and is made possible through the partnership

identify their plight prior to this event. With this, Mr. Bernardo

of the Department of Health (DOH) and full support of Local

Aguay Jr. a.k.a. Sir Buboy, scriptwriter and director, did

Government Unit of Presentacion.

the backbone of the story. They later conducted a two-day

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They had already

Salud Bikolnon I July - September 2017

The community-based theater group performs during the “Nom! Nadale!� Gala performance at Barangay Sta. Maria, Presentacion Camarines Sur on July 30, 2017.

Children watched eagerly as the play goes on.

Salud Bikolnon I July - September 2017

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DOH advises public to practice self-protective

measures to prevent Japanese Encephalitis

The Department of Health urges the public to protect themselves from mosquito bites to prevent Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and cautions against use of vaccines during the peak period.

The DOH advised local executives and families to intensify

(encephalitis). Most persons who get infected have no telltale

mosquito prevention and control measures at home and in

signs and symptoms 5 to 15 days after being bitten by a

the community, and to protect themselves from being bitten

mosquito. Signs and symptoms include fever, chills, headache,

by mosquitoes, particularly in high-risk areas. As the country

fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and in severe cases,

moves further into the rainy season, there is typically a rise in

neck stiffness, seizures, paralysis, and coma which may

mosquito borne diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya and

lead to death. Severe cases require prompt hospitalization.

now Japanese Encephalitis.

Treatment remains supportive only. Those who recover from

As of 26 August 2017, the DOH Epidemiology Bureau recorded a 44% decrease of laboratory confirmed JE cases

severe illness may still show signs of neurologic complications such as paralysis, recurrent seizures or inability to speak.

all over the country as compared to the same time period last

The virus is passed on to humans through a bite of a day-

year. The heightened awareness of the people resulted to an

and night-biting mosquito (Culex tritaeniorhyncus). These

increased health seeking behavior thus increased reporting

mosquitoes commonly thrive in rural and agricultural areas.

in Pampanga as noted. Many areas in the Philippines can see

In urban areas, these mosquitoes surround houses with

more cases in the coming weeks. It is important for LGUs

water storage containers. Transmission can occur year-round,

to step-up on reporting and notification of any suspect case.

often with a peak during the rainy season when mosquito

The DOH is firming up plans to introduce JE vaccination among young children in 2018. It is important that the timing

populations are higher. JE is endemic in large parts of Asia including the Philippines.

of the vaccination against the disease is factored in when

“I urge the public to take JE preventive measures following

administering the vaccine. Studies showed that there is no

the 4-S against Dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.

known benefit of the vaccine when given during peak season.

This includes getting rid of standing water, maintaining

On top of this, the hallmark of JE Prevention like Dengue

environmental cleanliness and eliminating potential breeding

should focus on identification and destruction of mosquito

places of mosquitoes - not only within our homes, but in the

breeding sites and environmental cleanliness.

entire community. Wear protective clothing such as long-

JE is a viral disease characterized by inflammation of the brain

sleeves and pants or socks to avoid mosquito bites, using mosquito nets at night time or even at day time or stay in well mosquito protected places like our screened homes and using FDA-approved insect repellents. When we get sick or our children develop fever for two days or flu-like symptoms, seek immediate consultation at the nearest health facilities. Let us avoid unnecessary and indiscriminate fogging activities,”

Culex tritaeniorhyncus. This brown mosquito which bites during day and night transmits Japanese Encephalitis virus .

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Salud Bikolnon I July - September 2017

Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial emphasized and noted that the government health workers are amply equipped to / address these concerns. /press release

Fast Facts: Japanese Encephalitis (JE)

The Cover

The Bicol Medical Center surgical team during an operation for the DOH Surgical Caravan. (photo courtesy of BMC and prucreativz)

DOH Surgical Caravan serves

poor patients in Bicol

The Department of Health Surgical Caravan dubbed as “ToDOH Alaga, May TSeKaP na, May Operasyon Pa� served 977 indigent patients in Bicol through the collaboration of DOH Retained-Hospitals and Local Government Units. This initiative is an offshoot of the Oplan Tsekap program aimed at the provision of surgical intervention to those who were screened and diagnosed.

The DOH Regional Office V (DOH RO V) launched the caravan

operations, ranging from minor to major cases, at no cost to

on July 2017 in Bicol as part of the commitment in addressing

indigent patients in need of surgical procedures.

the health needs of poor Filipinos. This aimed to offer

The Bicol Regional Teaching and Training Hospital (BRTTH) joined the national launching of the caravan on June 21, 2017 while Bicol Medical Center (BMC) and Camarines Norte Provincial Hospital (CNPH) launched on July 3 and July 4, respectively.

The province of Sorsogon, Camarines Sur,

Catanduanes and Masbate also scheduled their launching on July.

DOH Retained-Hospitals participated in the surgical caravan The table shows the number of beneficiaries covered during the caravan.

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Salud Bikolnon I July - September 2017

as visiting hospitals, while selected LGU hospitals served as the host hospital. This sought to enhance the service

Assistant Secretary Nestor Santiago, Jr. (center) together with Dr. Ma. Estrella Litam, Hospital Chief of Bicol Medical Center, and Dr. Napoleon L. Arevalo, DOH RO V Regional Director, smiles for a group photo during the launching at the Bicol Medical Center on July 3, 2017. (photo courtesy of BMC) delivery capability of LGU hospitals through the technical assistance from DOH Hospitals, and support them towards the continued realization of the Philippine Health Agenda’s (PHA) three guarantees of providing health care across all stages of life, establishing Service Delivery Network, and improving universal health insurance coverage.

“This is in line with PHA guarantee of Service Delivery Network (SDN) where appropriate care is made available and accessible to all Filipinos regardless of capacity to pay”, said Assistant Secretary Nestor F. Santiago, Jr. during the launch of BMC and CNPH. Through this surgical caravan, “our vision of ‘All for Health towards Health for All’ will soon be realized,”

said Dr.

Napoleon L. Arevalo, DOH RO V Regional Director, during the same launching.

The DOH together with hospitals, PhilHealth, Provincial and Municipal LGUs collaborated in providing fund, manpower and implementation arrangements of the caravan.

All surgical procedures done during surgical caravan in accredited

government

facilities

were

shouldered

by

PhilHealth. Other laboratory and diagnostic procedures, medicines, supplies and professional fees were covered by Dr. Rico Nebres conducting surgery. (photo courtesy of BMC)

the DOH Medical Assistance Program funds. /ddc

Salud Bikolnon I July - September 2017

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Surgical Caravan: The BRTTH Experience

by RAOUL EMMANUEL O. ZANTUA, MD, MPH Head, Public Health Unit Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital

The Surgical Caravan was an offshoot of the Oplan TSeKaP of the different City Health Offices and Municipal Health Offices in the country which was done from September to December 2016. Patients for surgery were identified and screened during the Oplan TSeKap.

A pose of success of Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center and BRTTH TSeKaP Surgical Caravan Team.

During the evaluation of the caravan, it was found out that some issues and concerns Bicol region experienced were also present in most regions of the country. Said adversities were addressed properly and resulted to better strategies.

Now, the BRTTH team is bracing for the second round.

On June 2017, series of memoranda were received by the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH) for the activities to be done for the surgical caravan. Despite of the lack of time and resources, the launching of the surgical caravan in BRTTH proceeded with the screening of patients and operation of cases, albeit, minor surgery on June 21, 2017.

On July 2017, the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, a Department of Health Retained Hospital in Marikina City visited the BRTTH and operated patients with major and minor cases coming from the province of Albay.

Simultaneously, the BRTTH visited the Dr. Fernando B. Duran Sr. Memorial Hospital in Sorsogon and operated on major and minor cases from the different municipalities of Sorsogon. On August 2017, the BRTTH team went to Eastern Bicol Medical Center in Catanduanes and performed operations on the Catandunganons.

Philhealth and the Medical Assistance Program (MAP) contributed to the success of the caravan by covering the cost of the surgical procedures.

BRTTH surgical team during the Surgical Caravan launch.

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Salud Bikolnon I July - September 2017

TEAM WORK. Surgeons, nurses and anesthesiologists during the Surgical Caravan at BRTTH.

Salud Bikolnon I July - September 2017

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Love your eyes, See your future Bicol Sanitarium served 180 patients in Bicol

by Ma. Aura Ermina C. Tandog, RM., RN Health Education and Promotion Officer II Bicol Sanitarium

Dr. Paul Siopongco of East Avenue Medical Center taking deep eye ultrasound.

As part of the Department of Health Surgical Caravan, the

Reyes, Dr. Roy Teodoro Principe and Dr. Edgardo R. Sarmiento

Bicol Sanitarium (BS) catered to 180 patients from Camarines

and on Thursdays, Dr. Maria Evelyn Ambrosio comes to clinic

Norte, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon and Masbate from June 20,

on scheduled basis.

2017 to August 31, 2017.

BS was assisted by ophthalmologists from East Avenue

Operasyon Pa!”, is a follow-up program of the Philippine Health

Medical Center as the visiting hospital. The transportation of

Agenda Tsekap to realize the provision of surgical intervention

patients was provided by BS through the Cabusao Bus. Vision

to those who need them. This caravan also enhances the

screening and cataract surgeries were also conducted to the

service delivery of Local Government Unit Hospitals through

province of Masbate, Sorsogon and Camarines Sur.

the technical assistance from Department of Health retained

After the caravan, eye consultations and follow-up care in BS still continue to be provided to Bicolanos with eye problems.

The hospital offers ophthalmology services every Tuesdays and Wednesdays with ophthalmologists Dr. Peter Joseph

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The Surgical Caravan, “ToDOH Alaga, May TSeKaP na, May

Salud Bikolnon I July - September 2017

Hospitals, and provides support to LGUs for the continuity of the PHA’s three (3) guarantees: (1) provide health care across all stages of life; (2) establish Service Delivery Network; and (3) improve universal health insurance coverage.

Dr. Edgardo Sarmiento, hospital chief of Bicol Sanitarium, examining a patient.

(above) Dr. Peter Joseph Reyes during his consultation with a patient from Sorsogon.

The table above illustrates the number of patients per province who underwent major and minor eye surgery.

(above) Dr. Robert King of East Avenue Medical Center checks the eye of a patient after the operation.

Salud Bikolnon I July - September 2017

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DOH launches 1st Hakab Na “Naging malayo sa sakit at malusog ang aking anak dahil sa patuloy na pagpapasuso ko sa kanya.

Hindi pa siya naoospital dahil sa sakit,” said Mrs. Jinky Halipa of Daraga, Albay. She continuously breastfeeds her two-year-old son, Khenji, and testifies the benefits of breastfeeding both to her and her son. “Plano ko na hangang tatlong taon ko pang i-breastfeed ang aking anak,” she added.

(left) Moms simultaneously breastfeed their babies for a minute during the Hakab Na launch. (right) Dr. Rita Mae Ang-Bon welcomes the participants of the event.

As part of the celebration of the breastfeeding month this August, the Department of Health Regional Office V through the Family Health Cluster (FHC) launched its 1st Hakab Na 2017 on August 17, 2017 in Legazpi City. “Hakab Na” is a similar event to the “Big Latch On”, a global activity where mothers simultaneously breastfeed their children in an effort to raise awareness on the benefits of breastfeeding.

The

Guinobatan

Support

Group

spearheaded

the

breastfeeding support groups in the province of Albay. These groups shall be created through the collaborative efforts of the Local Government Units, Rural Health Units and Barangay Health Workers.

A total of 180 breastfeeding mothers from Daraga, Legazpi City, Ligao City and Tabaco City participated during the event.

The mothers had their babies as young as three weeks to three years old, latched simultaneously for one minute as a symbol of support to breastfeeding.

Mrs. Jinky Halipa and her son, Khenji, during the Hakab Na launch.

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Salud Bikolnon I July - September 2017

Mothers breastfeed their babies during the activity. At the center, Ms. Twinkle Jean Pulmano-Lorilla (in red blouse) NBS Nurse and Dr. Rita Mae Ang-Bon join the moms by also feeding their babies - baby Grace and baby Haia.

Dr. Rita Mae Ang-Bon, Ms. Twinkle Jean Pulmano-Lorilla and Ms. Alma Lozada during a photo opportunity with the participants.

“Ang araw na ito ay araw nating mga nanay at ng ating baby,”

of breastfeeding and basic infant feeding. “Wala pa ring

said Dr. Rita Ang-Bon, Head of FHC, during her message.

makakapantay sa gatas ng ina sa pagpapalakas ng immune

“One of our goal is to encourage moms to practice six months

system at paglayo sa sakit ng mga sanggol,” she said. The

exclusive breastfeeding and also to create more breastfeeding

participating mothers were also given lectures on family health

support groups.”

programs including New Born Screening, Family Planning and

Ms. Alma Lozada, Nutritional Dietician IV, relayed the benefits

Immunization. /ddc

Salud Bikolnon I July - September 2017

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Being a first time mom

by Regina Gonzalgo Health Education and Promotion Officer I Provincial Health Office of Sorsogon

“As I held her close to me, I felt my baby’s soft and fragile body. I also felt the warmth of her saliva around my nipple. I ask myself each time I feed her, is she going to starve because I don’t know how to properly breastfeed her or how much milk should she intake every time she feeds.” This is a confession of first time mother, Denise Gonzalgo, who is fondly called “ate” in her family.

“Before I had my daughter, Harley Skye, I wasn't particularly interested in breastfeeding. Now, I am literally awake at night thinking about it,” she further shared her experience.

colostrum for the protection of her baby who is so fragile and prone to diseases and infection. “And while I understood that these things are happening, it did not feel any different, just a soft, tickle of her tongue against my nipple,” said Denise.

mother, Regina Gonzalgo, who happens to be the Health Promotion & Education Officer of the Sorsogon Office. that

Health She

proved

breastfeeding

more

than

good

is

being

As the HEPO of the Provincial Health Office, she taught Denise the importance of breastfeeding which leads to better health for children. Pediatricians recommend that babies be exclusively breastfed for a minimum of six months following a mother’s delivery because of the following benefits: saves

of the lessons she learned from her

Provincial

a powerful medium of communication and love connection between a mother and her baby.

A woman’s body is wonderful for it produces antibodies like

She was thankful

than food. It is a potent medicine and at the same time,

a

life and protects baby against disease with antibacterial agents; provides all nutrients baby needs for the first six months; ensures clean and safe source of food especially in emergencies; makes child grow strong and intelligent; breaks the cycle of diarrhea and malnutrition; bonds mother and child; reduces the mother’s risk of ovarian and breast cancer; helps space succeeding pregnancies, a natural method of birth control; saves money by not having to buy infant formula and feeding equipment; and protects the environment with no need for packaging and disposal.

“mama”

and

that

breast

milk

As an advocate of breastfeeding, Denise explained that, “I’m

is

much

more

so thankful to Mama for her pre and post pregnancy support and tips especially on the effects of breastfeeding which has been emphasized to me by my mom”. It is this realization that Denise would like to be an advocate of the benefits of breastfeeding and its positive effects to the well being of babies.

“From the moment I delivered her, I understood that being a mother there would be a time that my child will not always be by my side but in this moment I would like to pull her closer, to be always near her that I will actually hear her body and her sweet little voice whispering love to mine.”

Denise holds her daughter, baby Harley Skye.

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Salud Bikolnon I July - September 2017

Salud Bikolnon I July - September 2017

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Bicol Medical Center Establishes

Teen Wellness Clinic

By Mary Jane Guazon Uy, MD, MPH, FPDS Bicol Medical Center

The people behind the successful launching of the Teen Wellness Center. (seated L-R) Dr. Carlo Panelo, Dr. Jojie Ilagan from HPDP (Health Policy development Program), Dr. Mary Jane Uy of BMC, Dr. Rebecca Ramos of HPDP, Dr. Anna Liza Abainza of BMC. (Standing L-R) The invitees from LGU with personnel from BMC and DOH RO V, Ms, Dinah Zenarosa,RN-HEPO III, Ms. Joanna Ramores-Program director NCF Consulting, Dr. Agnes Claveria, Dr. Eileen Navarroza, Dr. Michellaine Tolentino-BMC Teen Wellness PMT, Ms. Amelia Enriquez,RN-BMC Chief Nurse, Marivic Franco RN,-BMC OPD Nurse Supervisor and Dr. Rey Millena of DOH RO V.

The Teen Wellness Clinic in Bicol Medical Center is a project that was born out of necessity. After a year of its project implementation, it was formally launched in Naga City last September 20, 2017. The event was well attended by heads of local government units, representatives from government agencies and various stakeholders. Representatives from the Public Management Development Program (PMDP), headed

by Dr. Carlo Panelo, with Dr. Jojie Ilagan and Dr. Rebecca Ramos together with United States Agency for International Development (USAID) representative, Ms. Marichi De Sagun were also present for the formal project hand over. Ms. Tricia Barrozo, of Department of Health Regional Office V Family Health Cluster, attended in behalf of Regional Director Dr. Napoleon Arevalo. The event was all about the theme “Sustaining the Momentum�, a continuing challenge for everyone concerned.

According to the Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality (YAFS) 4 results, teenage pregnancy rate has doubled, from 6.3 percent in 2002 to 13.6 percent in 2013. From the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2013, the proportion of women aged 15 to 19 who were either pregnant for the first time or were already mothers stayed at roughly 10 percent.

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Salud Bikolnon I July - September 2017

The youngest pregnant adolescent recorded in Camarines Sur is 11 years old while in Albay, a nine-year-old girl is the youngest case reported. There is reason to expect that this trend will worsen if no specific interventions are done to address the problem.

When a pregnant adolescent seeks consult in the hospital, it also begs the question; are they not victims of abuse? By law, it is clear that having sexual relations with a minor is a case of statutory rape. And yet, health workers have been inured to this situation because of few linkages to the proper agencies that ought to deal with such matters. Unless these adolescents choose to complain, they are not referred to the Women and Children Protection Unit.

Teenagers are considered as a vulnerable group, being characterized by impulsive behaviour, depression and risky sexual practices. These are the reasons why they are led to unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, abusive relationships, violence or suicides. Unfortunately for teenage mothers, going back to school and coping with a child can potentially seal their fate to a lifetime of poverty.

This is almost certain if they lack support from their family and community. Teenagers from lower socio-economic groups are

even more vulnerable to this vicious cycle, making it difficult for them to finish their education or find an occupation.

Majority of the pregnant adolescents have not been delivering in health care facilities and this raises red flags. This age group faces a much higher risk for complications during pregnancy and delivery. To avert these complications and death, efforts must, at the very least, be geared towards promoting pregnant adolescents’ use of facility-based services before, during, and after birth.

It was in 2014 when the Health Policy Development Program (HPDP) consulted with BMC and both agreed to come up with interventions regarding the increasing incidence of teen pregnancies in the country, as well as in the Bicol Region.

The DOH RO V immediately recognised the urgency of the problem and as part of their 15 month strategic plan, allocated funds for an Adolescent/Youth Reproductive Health (AYRH) demonstration project. This strategic plan also includes activities to be done in partnership with the Commission on Population and other stakeholders (i.e., DSWD, DepEd, PNP, TESDA). BMC also agreed to make available funds, facilities, specialists, and staff to implement the transformation of the hospital.

All institutions agreed to turn the Bicol Medical Center into an adolescent-friendly facility where pregnant adolescents would expect to find a non-threatening, responsive and welcoming atmosphere to cater to their special needs. It was envisioned that this particular clinic would be a one-stop shop for teenagers who need to avail of reproductive health services, and provide important conduits to other agencies that could assist these adolescents to rehabilitate their interrupted education and their unplanned responsibilities to their offspring. To expedite the implementation of the AYRH project, BMC contracted though competitive bidding, the technical services of the Naga College Foundation to provide technical assistance and support implementation of key activities.

for follow-up (151). In the wards however, from a total of 521 teen mom admissions during the said period, there were already 46 who were classified “graduates” from the program. There were three reported deaths in this age group during period, all of them were walk-ins.

The BMC Teen Wellness Clinic envisions that all adolescents will be included in the program. Future targets include preventive treatment towards sexually transmitted infections, reproductive health, psychosocial and psychiatric interventions, substance abuse and violence. It plans to encourage the participation of schools, civic groups and nongovernment organizations for a more effective and holistic management of the problem. Meanwhile however, it has its main focus on teenage pregnancy being a most urgent concern.

After a year of its implementation in Bicol Medical Center, now it can be said that the Teen Wellness Clinic is truly on its way to make this hospital an adolescent-friendly facility. In the future, we may be able to cascade similar initiatives to other hospitals in the country.

Read about Amy’s experience of the Teen Mom Program of the Bicol Medical Center (BMC) Teen Wellness Center in the next issue.

According to Dr. Pinky Abainza, project manager of the BMC Teen Wellness Clinic, a total of 314 pregnant teenagers were seen at the out-patient department from to August to December 2016. More than half of them (163) were successfully enrolled in the program and continued to report

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Insights

ROMNICK N. MAGDARAOG, RN

added 2 new photos

Madalas akong tanungin ng mga kakilala ko kung bakit daw mas pinili kong maging NDP nars (Nurse Deployment Program) kaysa magtrabaho sa ospital. Di hamak daw na mas maganda ang magiging karanasan ko sa trabaho kung nasa ospital ako. Mabilis ko namang tugon ay “masaya ako sa trabaho ko sa public health.” Maraming iba’t-ibang karanasan sa bawat araw na pumupunta ako sa komunidad na di mo makukuha sa ospital. Ibat-ibang uri ng tao ang nakakasalamuha na may kanya-kanyang kwentong masaya pero minsan masalimuot na tunay na nakapagbibigay ng inspirasyon at motibasyon sa buhay.

Bawat pangyayari sa komunidad ay may dalang aral di lamang sa trabaho kundi maging sa buhay. Ito ang buhay ko bilang isang NDP nurse, ang naiibang mukha ng pagiging nars. Ngunit ano ba ang NDP? Sino ba sila? #NDP #nosibalasi

Sa karamihan, ang Nurse Deployment Program (NDP) ay: Nars na De-unipormeng Puti Nars na Dumadalaw sa Pamayanan Nars na Dumadaan sa Palayan at sa putikan Nars na Dala’y programang Pangkalusugan Nars na Dala’y Pamakuna Nars na Dala’y Pamurga Nars na Dala’y Pantimbang ng bata Nars na Dala’y impormasyon sa Pagpaplano ng pamilya Nars na Dumadalaw sa panahon ng Pagbubuntis at panganganak Nars na Dumadamay sa oras ng Pagkakasakit.

Ngunit kaming mga NDPs ay higit pa roon. Higit pa sa nakikita ng inyong mata. Kami ay mga: Nars na Dumadamay sa Pamilya Nars na Dumidinig ng Problema Nars na Di ka Pababayaan Nars na Di alintana ang Pagod at hirap Nars na Determinado sa Paglilingkod Nars na Dedikado sa Pagserbisyo Nars na Dakila ang Pagmamahal sa trabaho Nars na Di mo man Pasalamatan o Nars na Di mo man Pahalagahan ay mananatili pa ring: Nars na Damang-dama ang Pag-aalaga at pagmamalasakit Nars na Di magdadalawang isip sa Pagtulong kahit kami’y mga Nars na Di Perpekto Kami ay mga Nars na Dalisay ang Puso at Nars na Dala’y Pag-asa sa anumang pagsubok.

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Salud Bikolnon I July - September 2017

Comedy Cure Anxiety

Gas

Buntis

Kim: Alam mo ba ate, hindi lahat ng ANXIETY malungkot.

Waiter: Sir, Eto na po ang bill ninyo sa coffee.

Anak: Nay buntis po ako!

Mariz: Ha? nangyari?

Customer: Bakit ang mahal nito?

Lagi naman ako dito ah. Ba’t biglang nagmahal kayo?

Bakit?

Panu

yun

Kim: Eh kasi, di ba “an saya teh”!

Timbang Nakita ng mister ang misis nya na tinitimbang ang sarili sa weighing scale.

Mister: Mahal, hindi naman makakatulong yang pag-iipit ng tiyan mo sa pagbabawas ng timbang mo.

Kung gaano ka kabigat, yan pa rin yan kahit pigilin mo hininga mo.

Misis: Oo. Alam ko.

Mister: Eh bat mo ginagawa yan?

Misis: Di ko na kasi makita ang weighing scale. Ilang kilo na ba ako?

Juan One day, Juan discovered his brain’s problem.

Juan: OMG! I finally discovered what’s wrong with my brain. On the left side, there’s nothing right and on the right side there’s nothing left!

Got a

Waiter: Mahal na po kasi ang gasolina.

Customer: Ha?! Wag ninyong lagyan nga gas ang kape ko! Ang order ko kape lang. Wag nyong lagyan ng GAS!

Nanay: Walang hiya ka! Binigyan ka ng maayos na buhay kahit nahihirapan kami ng papa mo.

Tapos yan lang ang igaganti mo?

Sino ang ama nyan?

Anak: Si mayor po ang tatay nito nay.

Nanay: Ayy joke lang anak. Sige bukas na bukas magpacheck-up ka na. Love you anak!

Lasing Misis: Honey, lasing ka naman?

Magtitipid na tayo diba?

Mister: Bakit ha? Eh ikaw ang mamahal nga ng make-up mo.

Misis: Alam mo naman hon na nagpapaganda ako para sayo di ba?

Mister: Ako rin hon, umiinom ako ng alak para gumanda ka!

Kapit lang Kapitan: Lulubog na ang barko, kumapit kayo!

Pasahero: (lumapit sa kapitan) Kapitan: Oh bat nakakapit sa akin?

kayo

lahat

Pasahero: Di ba ikaw ang KAPITan?!

The difference My “haha” is fake but my “hahaha” is true. And when I say “HAHAHAHAHA” it means it was so funny I almost died. haha

FUNNY JOKE

to share?

Send us your jokes and make us laugh to tears!

Email your funny, corny or witty jokes to dohbicolhpu@gmail.com or leave a message at www.facebook.com/dohbicol.

Salud Bikolnon I July - September 2017

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