The Local Health Board of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Bauang, under the leadership of Municipal Mayor Eulogio Clarence Martin P. De Guzman III, met on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 to talk about the current health status in Bauang and to strategize for the health sector management improvements. Present were Sangguniang Bayan Member (SBM) and Chairperson for the Committee on Health and Sanitation Hon. Veronica T. Bernardo, Administrator for Operations Mr. Wilson Samuel C. Caluza, Head for the Rural Health Unit (RHU) Dr. Erwill O. Nunan, and staff of the RHU.

Among the agenda were Epidemiological Updates, the Animal Bite Treatment Center, the Philippine Approach to Sustainable Sanitation (PhATSS), Strengthening the Anti-Smoking Ordinance, and Barangay Health Workers Registration and Accreditation Committee (BHW-RAC).

The epidemiological updates included the topics on Dengue; Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease; Influenza-like Illnesses; Leptospirosis; Pertussis; Non-Neonatal Tetanus; and Typhoid and Para-Typhoid.

The Motions filed were to conduct more clean-ups and enjoin other organizations like Zumba groups to curb Dengue; adoption of Department of Health (DOH) Memorandum 2024-0306: Updated Interim Guidelines on the Prevention, Detection & Management of MPOX; adoption of Administrative Order (AO) 2021- 0056 or the proper disposal of dead persons with infectious diseases; and inclusion of RHU Budget Officer to the Board Members for improved planning of the annual budget.

Mayor Martin De Guzman recommended to the Board to make a checklist of health standards for each barangay. It was also necessary to craft an Ordinance to ensure funding for vital health protocols.

Health remains the utmost priority for LGU Bauang, understanding that the well-being of our residents directly translates to their quality of life. The RHU team is committed to enhancing health services through preventive care, accessible medical facilities, and community educational campaigns.

Written and Photographed by: Korina Esteban-Ma