TACLOBAN CITY — In a bid to combat the high prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections among students in Eastern Visayas, various government agencies and civic organizations have entered into a landmark agreement to launch a massive deworming campaign in public schools.

On Monday, September 23, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed by the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and civic groups such as the Rotaract Club of Tacloban and the Rotary Club of Tacloban.

This partnership aims to conduct regular deworming activities to improve the health and well-being of schoolchildren in the region.

Atty. Neil Sia, secretary of the Rotary Club of Tacloban, highlighted the importance of addressing STH infections, noting that the condition negatively impacts both the physical and mental health of students.

“This deworming initiative is crucial for our schoolchildren. STH infections not only affect their physical health but can also impair their cognitive development and academic performance,” Sia emphasized.

“By tackling this problem, we hope to improve the overall well-being of our students.”
Under the agreement, the first wave of deworming is set to take place in January 2025, with the second cycle scheduled for July 2025.

The program will initially target seven public schools in Tacloban City, benefiting around 1,000 students. The long-term goal is to expand the program across the region.

The MOA outlines the establishment of a sustainable partnership, wherein all participating agencies and organizations will work together to plan, implement, and monitor a biannual school-based deworming program.

This initiative aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Roadmap for 2021-2030, which seeks to significantly reduce, if not eliminate, STH infections through mass drug administration.

According to the agreement, the deworming program in Region 8 is seen as a potential pilot model for a nationwide school-based deworming strategy. The goal is to support the DOH’s national effort to reduce STH infections by 2030.

“The deworming program in Eastern Visayas is not just a response to local health concerns, but also serves as a pilot initiative that could be scaled nationwide,” the agreement states. “This partnership will help lay the groundwork for a nationwide school-based deworming strategy, contributing to the DOH’s long-term goals.”

Key figures present during the signing of the agreement included DILG Regional Director Arnel Agabe, DepEd Assistant Regional Director Ronilo Al Firmo, Rotaract Club of Tacloban President Larry Esperas, Rotary Club of Tacloban President Joey Reyna, Rotary Assistant Governor Paul Quianzon, and Dr. Milagros Bonito from DOH Region 8.

This collaborative effort represents a significant step toward improving public health in Eastern Visayas, focusing on reducing the impact of neglected tropical diseases among the region’s most vulnerable populations—schoolchildren.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

Tacloban Mayor Romualdez led in welcoming the senator

TACLOBAN CITY– Senator Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr. poured out support to the people of Eastern Visayas during his visit on Thursday, September 19, as he spearheaded the distribution of financial assistance in the region.

The senator visited Tacloban City, Maasin City in Southern Leyte, Borongan City in Eastern Samar, and Calbayog City in Samar.

He was warmly welcomed and honored by local officials, including Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez and other mayors of the mentioned areas, in gratitude for his significant help.

Approximately 8,000 beneficiaries received cash assistance through Revilla’s efforts, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.

“As I always say, we are simply giving our people what they rightfully deserve from the government. I hope this can help meet their daily needs until their lives improve,” Revilla said.

“We will never tire of personally reaching out to our people to provide help. This is our duty, and we will never turn our backs on it,” the senator added.

Revilla also attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the P70 million-worth Eastern Samar Provincial Hospital Medical Arts Building in Borongan City together with provincial officials led by Governor Ben Evardone.

This new four-story facility, mainly funded by Revilla’s office, aims to further strengthen and enhance the outpatient services of the hospital.

“The construction of this Medical Arts Building is not just a symbol of a new structure, but a step toward a more vibrant and expansive healthcare service for our people,” Revilla stated.

“Let us remember that the health of every citizen is a wealth beyond measure. Every time we build a new hospital, or like in this project, a Medical Arts Building, we show our dedication to strengthening our healthcare system. It reminds us that healthcare service is not a privilege but a right that every Filipino should enjoy,” he concluded.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)