JANUARY—JUNE 2013 VOLUME 1 MEDIA FOR HEALTH.....2

3RD ASEAN DENGUE DAY

CELEBRATION ................3

THE PHARMACY DOTS

INITIATIVE ......................4 Caraga Health

July 2, 2013— The Center for Health

Development Caraga has once more

claimed its place in the Red Orchid

Awards of the Department of Health

for its prominent efforts for tobacco

control in an awarding ceremony held

at the Philippine International Con-

vention Center . The Red Orchid Awards is an annual search for 100% Tobacco-Free Centers for Health Develop-ment, Government Hospitals, Gov-ernment Offices and Local Govern-ment Units. Winners are chosen accord-ing to the strength of their advocacy to promote, as well as enforce 100% smoke-free environments. Aside from certificates and trophies, the award-ees of the Red Orchid Hall of Fame will receive a Php 500,000 project grant to better strengthen their tobac-co control programs, while Local Government Units will receive an

additional Php 100,000 worth of drugs and medicine for smoking ces-sation or the control of non-communicable diseases. While other contenders who are unable to meet the prescribed scores will still receive certificates of participation. The numbers have been increasing since the award was es-tablished. From merely 46 finalists and 8 winners in 2010, on its fourth year, the number went up to a total of 170 institutions comprising of 2 prov-inces, 14 cities, 44 municipalities, 35 government offices, 15 DOH centers for health development (CHDs or regional offices), 60 government hos-pitals vied for the distinction of being proclaimed as Red Orchid awardees.(DOH-NTCCO) Other Red Orchid Awardees from Caraga include the Butuan City Jail and Caraga Regional Hospital.

(Second Time, P.2)

Media for Health, Conceived! April 2, 2013, Luciana Convention Center—the Center for Health Development Caraga has organized its press core group into the Media for Health, the official media core group of the CHD with its set of officer to further strengthen its ties with media practitioners in the region for the better dissemination of appropriate, relevant and timely health infor-mation to the general public.

(Media, p.2)

NUMBER 1

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF

THE CENTER FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT CARAGA

FOR THE SECOND TIME CHD Caraga claims Red Orchid Once More

Caraga Health Vol. 1 | No. 1 | Page 2

Bislig City and Surigao del Sur District Jail landed on sec-ond with the Pink Orchid Award. The municipality of Ve-ruela, Agusan del Sur bagged the Red Orchid Awards Hall of Fame for achieving and maintaining the award for three consecutive years. The winners who are elevated into the Hall of Fame will each receive a trophy to-gether with a P 500,000 cash grant to sustain their tobacco control efforts. The CHD Caraga has made several steps to strengthen its tobacco control programs such as; the conduct of symposiums and lay forums on smoking, lifestyle-related diseases and their prevention; regular field visits and monitoring of the implementation of smoking ordinances; continuous lobbying to LCEs for the adequate funding of the program (Tobacco Con-trol); distribution of IEC materials to LGUs and other stakeholders; posting of No Smoking signage in strate-gic locations and many health promotion activities to encourage smokers to quit and prevent non-smokers from smoking. The CHD Caraga is in full support for the passage of the Graphic Health Warning Bill to better emphasize the hazard of smoking and tobacco use. The CHD Caraga’s Smoking Cessation clinic is open for those smokers who plan of quitting, but do not know what to do. To add, we are better strengthening our anti-

smoking program so that we too, will be elevated into the Red Orchid Hall of Fame. This is not merely for the pres-tige, but our campaign for the welfare of the general pub-lic. – Dir. Ariel I. Valencia, CHD Caraga.

Second Time cont… (from P1)

Media

Broadcast and print play a vital role in the dissemina-tion of timely, accurate and appropriate health information to guide our citizens and better inform them so that they may discern and take responsibility for their wellbeing. These forms of media reach more people and better lead to easy under-standing of health updates, advisories and other health infor-mation. In a meeting called for the said, Ms. Sunshine A. Alipayo, Nurse III and Health Education and Promotion Officer – Designate of the CHD Caraga mediated the meeting which lead to the election of officers for the said media organization. Media for Health List of Officers PRESIDENT Mr. Cecil Ybañez VICE PRESIDENT Mr. Japhet Floria SECRETARY/PIO Ms. Sassy Babar

TREASURER Mr. Noel Najarro AUDITOR Roniel D. Cinco BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mr. Pat Samonte

Mr. Dione Datwin Mr. Noel Prisco Ms. Malou Apego

cont… (from P1)

Caraga Health Vol. 1 | No. 1 | Page 3

CELEBRATING THE 3RD

14 June 2013 – DOH CHD Caraga celebrated the 3rd ASEAN Dengue Day through simultane-

ous programs in selected provinces throughout the region to achieve a better dengue response from the community as well as launch the Stop, Look and Listen, ABKD Pagtibayin campaign of the department which includes the revitalization of the 4 O’clock Habit. The fight against Dengue continues as the cases of in-fection continue to rise. Every year, more and more Filipinos har-bor the Dengue infection via the bite of the female Aedes aegypti mosquito. In Caraga Region, a total of 1,150 cases were already reported by disease surveillance units all over the region from January 1 – June 1, 2013.This is 135% higher compared to last year’s cases which was 509, within the same time period. (Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit)

The DOH has developed several strategies in order to unify the efforts of the masses against Dengue. However, the success of these campaigns lies on the hands of the people. Co-operation and participation is the primary key in the prevention of dengue. The ASEAN Dengue Day Celebration has been con-ceived to better enhance and promote a more positive dengue response from the citizens. When people are better informed, they can choose better decisions regarding their health.

As per Department Memorandum No. 2013-0156 from the Office of the Secretary of Health, the 4 O’clock Habit was revi-talized by the department as one of the strategies against Den-gue. Furthermore, all Centers for Health Development were en-couraged to spread the awareness regarding this strategy and its incorporation into the present ABKD program.

The CHD Caraga has arranged for a simultaneous cele-bration of the ASEAN Dengue day in selected Cities and Provinc-es throughout the region that would highlight and intensify this

year’s campaign theme; “Stop, Look, Listen, ABKD(Aksyon Ba-rangay Kontra Dengue) Pagtibayin!”. The simultaneous celebra-tion was held at Gateway Hotel in Surigao City, Luciana Conven-tion Center in Butuan City, Alson’s Restaurant, Cabadbaran City, Bayugan City, Tandag City, Bislig City and the Province of Dina-gat Island.

The simultaneous celebration was graced by health workers and local executives of respected areas as well as stu-dents from several schools. During the activity, the lifecycle of the mosquito and other facts regarding the mosquito were discussed to better help the audience in attendance understand the value of the DOH program against dengue and its impacts to the commu-nity. During the discussions, individuals were encouraged to par-ticipate in the endeavor to halt the breeding and ultimately reduce if not eliminate the dengue causing mosquitoes. The discussions also emphasized the main role of the barangay as a whole in eradicating mosquito breeding sites thus preventing the matura-tion of the Aedes Aegypti larvae to eradicate the vectors of the disease.

The commitment of the community health workers and the local executives were solicited after the event to better en-courage their individual participation in this endeavor and spread the awareness as well as the advocacy against dengue.

Different IEC Materials (Leaflets, Tarpaulins, flyer fans and Cloth Bags) were reproduced by the CHD Caraga and distrib-uted during the simultaneous celebration of the 3rd ASEAN Den-gue day and were also posted in Health Faculties e.g. RHUs, BHS, Hospital and other allied health institutions. Department Memorandum No. 2013-0156 from the Office of the Secretary of Health regarding he Revitalization of the 4 O’clock Habit was dis-seminated to Local Executives through the region.

Participants per Venue are as follows: Butuan City – 100, Agusan del Norte and Cabadbaran City – 100, Surigao City and Surigao del Norte – 150, Surigao del Sur and Tandag City – 150, Agusan del Sur and Bayugan City – 100, Bislig City – 50 and the Province of Dinagat Island – 50.

ASEAN DENGUE DAY

Surigao City

Cabadbaran City Bayugan City

Caraga Health Vol. 2 | No. 1 | Page 4

In Solidarity: 30th International

AIDS Candlelight Memorial May 24, 2013, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte— The CHD Caraga in close coordi-nation with the Provincial Health Office of Agusan del Norte conducted a Mobile Volun-tary Counseling and Testing (VCT) as part of the celebration of the 30th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial with its theme, In Soli-darity.

The Mobile Voluntary Counseling and Testing (MVCT) was conducted in the even-ing after the International AIDS Candle light Memorial Commemoration program. This was participated and represented by different mu-nicipal heads of office and youth leaders from various sectors. The program was spearhead-ed by the Buenavista Local AIDS Council headed by the Municipal Mayor, Hon. Francis-co Y. Chan Jr. This was highlighted with the lighting of the symbolic candles, reading and signing of a Solidarity Pledge was led by Ms. Cherry N. Vitor, Municipal Government Oper-ation Officer of DILG - Buenavista followed by the lighting up of three (3) sky lanterns which symbolized the youth, government and non-government sectors that only “In Solidarity” can we, together as one community, advocate for universal access to quality treatment, pre-vention, care and services. Ultimately, ending stigma and ensuring access to information and services, thus promoting involvement. Dr. Gerna M. Manatad, Head of the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of CHD Caraga delivered her message mean-ingfully with a brief presentation on the modes of transmission for HIV infection and body fluids capable of transmitting HIV. VCT Part II May 25, 2013, Butuan City— the DOH CHD Caraga Regional Epidemiologic Surveillance Unit (RESU) conducted another Mobile Voluntary Counseling and Testing dur-ing the Papa Jack live in Butuan, the Love Radio Anniversary Concert in the Agusan del Norte Provincial Capitol Grounds, in Butuan CIty. Dr. Gerna Manatad, Regional Epide-miologist was given the opportunity to give a

short discussion on HIV, its dangers, preven-tion and appropriate steps to better be aware of HIV. The night progressed with the distribu-tion of IEC materials such as flyers and flyer fans to random guests. The staff of the CHD RESU also gave minor discussions to identi-fied most at risk population (MARP). They established a booth where they offered free Voluntary Counseling and Testing for HIV. The step aims to better reach the general population and bring the services closer to the people. The Worldwide Setting Worldwide, millions of lives were al-ready lost to AIDS, and more than 33 million people currently live with HIV and face the very challenging reality of HIV related stigma, discrimination and human rights violation. (Phils. HIV/AIDS Registry) The International AIDS Can-dlelight Memorial was first held in 1983 in the endeavor to spread awareness and encour-age involvement of people living with HIV to ensure a more active response against HIV and its spread. The candlelight memorial is no means of celebration. When it was first held, no one then could have imagined the scale on which the infection would spread as an epi-demic. Director’s Note RD Ariel I. Valencia, in response to this en-deavor, reiterated the ABCs (Abstain from Sex, Be Faithful to one partner, Consistently, correct Condom use, Do not use illicit drugs/Don’t share needles and Educate yourself/Early detection and treatment of STIs) to pre-vent HIV transmission. He also emphasized that social stigma is the one main gap that hinders early detection of HIV. He also en-couraged the high risk population to take a stand and seize the chance to get tested. “HIV is not a death sentence.” Earlier detec-tion means earlier treatment to lessen the complications and improve the quality of life for people living with HIV.

Caraga Health Vol. 2 | No. 1 | Page 5

GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY CONSTRUCTION OF THE DRUG TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION CENTER

May 8, 2013, Brgy. Anomar, Surigao City - Asec. Benjamin Reyes, Deputy Executive Director for Operation - Dangerous Drugs Board, Asec. Elmer G. Punzalan, MD, FICS, MHA ,MHSA, Assis-tant Secretary of Health - Office of Special Con-cerns, Ariel L. Valencia, MD,MPH,CESO III, Direc-tor, CHD Caraga with Hon. Sol F. Matugas, Gover-nor of the province of Surigao del Norte lead the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center to better enhance the availability of facilities to cater to more clients of the region.

BAN TOBACCO ADVERTISING, PROMOTION AND SPONSORSHIP.

CELEBRATING THE WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY

Worldwide, Tobacco use has been not-ed as the world’s leading preventable cause of death currently responsible for killing 1 in 10 adults. The global tobacco epidemic kills nearly 6 million people each year, of which more than 600 000 are non-smokers dying from breathing second-hand smoke. (WHO)

The World Health Organization (WHO), enjoined by its partners all over

the world, celebrates World No Tobac-

co Day every 31st of May. The World No

Tobacco Day endeavors to spread awareness a help minimize if not eradi-

cate tobacco use. Ban Tobacco Adver-

tising, Promotion and Sponsorship –

The theme for this year’s World No To-bacco Day Celebration. As mandated

by the WHO Framework Convention for

Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), a com-

prehensive ban of all tobacco advertis-ing, promotion and sponsorship is re-

quired as a main avenue to minimize

Tobacco use. Evidence shows that

comprehensive advertising bans lead to reductions in the numbers of people

starting and continuing smoking. Statis-

tics show that banning tobacco adver-

tising and sponsorship is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce to-

bacco demand and thus a tobacco con-

trol “best buy”. The objectives of the

2013 campaign are to: spur countries to implement WHO FCTC Article 13 and

its Guidelines as well as drive local,

national and international efforts to

counteract tobacco industry efforts to undermine tobacco control, specifically

industry efforts to stall or stop compre-

hensive bans on tobacco advertising,

promotion and sponsorship. (WHO)

In observance hereof, the CHD Caraga conducted a symposium in ba-rangays in the City of Cabadbaran on the ill effects of smoking and the dis-eases that are related to it. Also, during the press conference conducted by the CHD Caraga, Smoking and the World No Tobacco Day were highlighted and emphasized with stress given to the ill effects of smoking and second-hand smoke inhalation. Also, as per invita-tion, a symposium on smoking and smoking cessation as conducted by the CHD Caraga together with National Government Agencies such as the De-partment of Interior and Local Govern-ment.

Ms. Delma O. Legaspi, RN, MPH, Non Communicable Disease and Healthy Lifestyle Coordinator of CHD Caraga with Mr.

Ceasar Peralta of Radio Trumpeta in a recorded interview on the celebration of the World No Tobacco Day.

Caraga Health Vol. 2 | No. 1 | Page 6

CHD CARAGA SET FOR ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFICATION

By: Angie B. Antonio, IO I/POPCOM-Caraga

The Department of Health – Center for Health Development CARAGA as the Region’s leader in health responds to the need for a more responsive health delivery sys-tem by adopting the standards of the ISO 9001:2008, a model for setting up standards related to Quality Manage-ment Systems (QMS), which will help ensure organizations achieve their purpose and meet the needs of cus-tomers as well as other stakeholders. Standardization in compli-ance with international standards has become the goal of most government institutions; the Department of Health is one of them having been certified in 2012. Global competitiveness among nations has been the trend for better and continuously improving govern-ment services. The institutionalization of the Government Quality Manage-ment Program will direct the depart-ment to adopt the ISO – Quality Man-agement System which will equivocal-ly lead to an enhanced public sector performance. The primary benefit of this standardization is the more transpar-ent and systematized delivery of health-related services for the satis-faction of stakeholders, internal and external clients and most of all, the Filipino citizens. Together with standardization is the ever continuing change that every institution must adapt to, ISO standards are continually assessed and updated to better meet the needs of an ever changing trend in customer satisfaction. ISO focuses on the sys-tematic delivery of services as to max-imize outcomes with minimal time and cost. Thus, all Centers for Health De-velopment nationwide committed to this undertaking by applying for the said certification. The DOH – CHD Caraga is

tackling the roadmap to its ISO 9001:2008 certification with its contin-uing internal audits to seek out gaps in the system and correct these gaps to create a more dynamic and effec-tive process for the efficient delivery of its different services to both internal and external customers. Internal Quality Auditors are continually as-sessing every process owner to aide them in the identification of these gaps. “The CHD Caraga is continu-ally improving its processes to better meet customer satisfaction from both internal and external customers. We aim to better deliver our services with less time and resources but with max-imum outcomes. We are on the road to better guarantee equitable, acces-sible and quality health services for all Filipinos.” – Dir. Ariel I. Valencia

CHD Caraga staff and personnel during seminar workshops in preparation for ISO 9001:2008 Certification

Caraga Health Vol. 2 | No. 1 | Page 7

“Vigilance, people’s readiness, and community preparedness will increase every individual’s chances of surviving any dis-aster.” - Sec. Enrique T. Ona, DOH As a member of the National Disaster Risk Reduc-tion Management Council, the Department of Health takes the challenge of responding to the service of the Filipino peo-ple in times of calamities and disasters. Not only that, the DOH opts to create capable communities of volunteers ready and able to respond to various disaster scenarios as well as help others prepare for calamities. General knowledge on how to mitigate, and prepare for disaster scenarios are musts for a person and the health sector to be able to steadfastly take action before the effects of such disaster are realized. In observation of the National Disaster Conscious-ness Month, the CHD Caraga has lead and participated in various activities in coordination and partnership with local Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS) for the spread

of disaster awareness and encouraged the pub-lic’s participation in dis-aster risk reduction activ-ities. These activities include: Participation in the Local HEMS and DRRMO Coordinators Meeting, Participation in the Regional Consulta-tive Response Protocol Workshop during the Regional Health Cluster Meeting, Participated as a member of the Technical Working Group in the Search for Gawad Kalasag Awards, Participated in the Press Conference of the Office of Civil Defense, Participated as a member of the Technical Working Group in the conduct of the Regional Dis-aster Risk Reduction Management Summit.

As the toll of non-communicable diseases in-crease, the Department of Health heeded action against the termed “Lifestyle Disease” by launching the Go4Health, a consolidated approach against the causes of unhealthy lifestyle practices. The movement was conceptualized to help pre-vent and control the prevalence of non-communicable dis-eases (NCDs) in the country, like cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disor-der. Pilipinas Go4Health is the nationwide healthy life-style movement spearheaded by the Department of Health (DOH) and its partners. It aims to inform and en-courage Filipinos from all walks of life to practice a healthy lifestyle by making a personal commitment to physical activity, proper nutrition, and the prevention or cessation

of smoking and alcohol consumption. Through the move-ment, DOH and its partners work together to promote and establish a sustainable environment for healthy living. (DOH) In line with this movement, the CHD Caraga has spearheaded activities that promote healthy lifestyle activi-ties, some of which include: Integrating the promotion of Healthy Lifestyle in Training such as Smoking Cessation, Package of Essential interventions for Non-communicable Diseases (Symposium), Non-communicable Diseases Integrated Consultative Workshop, Conducts of Smoking Cessation Trainings, Provision of technical support in the conduct of Advocacy activities on Healthy lifestyle (Smoking Cardiovascular and others), Participation in the Red Orchid Awards by promoting Smoking-free working environments.

ON THE FOREFRONT: Health Emergency Management Staff

The Department of Health Center for Health Development CARAGA

Pizarro St. cor Narra Rd., Butuan City Tel No.: 342-52-08