Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District), who spearheaded a North Central Negros Interlocal Health Zone meeting in Talisay City on Wednesday, October 26, stressed the importance of ensuring that initiatives and interventions against cholera are coordinated.
The Provincial Health Office has reported 17 cholera cases in Negros Occidental, 16 of which are from the Third District.
Benitez urged everyone at the meeting to work together so that all ways and means taken are effective.
He also underscored the need for monthly, instead of quarterly, monitoring of all water refilling stations and restaurants in the Third District, and to re-visit and amend City, Municipal, and Barangay ordinances to coincide with Department of Health standards.
“The rise, fall, and geographical clustering of diarrhea incidents – must be monitored and reported. Most importantly, there must be a mentality of taking this public health concern seriously,” he said.
Benitez also discouraged the use of unregistered jetmatic pumps, noting that it is safer for private establishments to connect with their local water districts that are compliant with sanitary standards.
“It is also important that LGUs monitor open defecation and sewage treatment. The sanitary practices of persons and establishments that handle food and beverages – must also be closely inspected, “he added.
Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, who is chairman of the North Central Negros ILHZ, assured the body of convening the ILHZ core group soon comprised of health officers and key medical staff, together with the Department of Health and Provincial Health Office representatives to put in place guidelines and strengthen action plans on surveillance and monitoring, prevention and treatment.
Dr. Mary Ann Maestral, Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital chief and action officer of the North Central Negros ILHZ, assured the body of coordinating with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Provincial Health Office to ensure that information-education-communication materials will be integrated and disseminated to strengthen the current cholera information drive of all LGUs in the Third District.
Also present in the meeting were Talisay Mayor Neil Lizares and Talisay City Health Officer Dr. Raul Fama Jr.; Silay Mayor Joedith Gallego and CHO Dr. Krisna Barnuevo; Murcia Mayor Gerry Rojas and MHO Dr. Raymund Maguad; EB Magalona MHO Dr. Edmund Janeo; and representatives from the DOH and Provincial Health Office.
Dr. Dolores Rommela Tiplez-Ruiz, Infection Control Specialist, stressed the relevance of collaboration and synergy efforts as she reminded all that cholera, severe diarrhea or other gastroenteritis cases caused by bacteria or virus should not be underestimated and must be taken seriously to prevent its spread in the community and directly affect people’s lives, just like the COVID-19 pandemic.*