DOH intensifies anti-drowning campaign in Caraga
By
Jennifer Gaitano
Dr. Cesar Cassion, regional director of the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga, and other personnel convened the media during a press conference and briefed them on the ongoing campaign of the department, particularly on ‘Iwas Lunod Komunidad,’ during the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) at the Caraga State University (CSU) in Butuan City. Photo by PIA Caraga.
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga regional office called on parents to keep a tight watch on their children, especially when going to beach resorts or swimming pools, to avoid any untoward incidents such as drowning.
In the recent press conference, DOH Caraga Regional Director, Dr. Cesar Cassion, said that as El NiΓ±o intensifies, more people are expected to keep themselves cool by going to beach resorts or any facility with swimming pools.
“As much
as we want to adapt in this dry season and do activities at the beaches, cold
springs, and the like, we also want to remind everyone to always ensure the
safety of family members, especially small children. While you’re enjoying,
also look after your kids and do not allow them to swim unattended,” remarked
Dir. Cassion.
Cassion
recalled that there have been reports of children who were among the casualties
after being drowned during island hopping.
“As part
of our campaigns dubbed ‘Iwas Lunod Chikiting’ and ‘Iwas Lunod Komunidad,’ we
want to ensure that summertime is well-spent and safe for kids and adults. The
DOH, along with other government agencies such as the Philippine Coast Guard
(PCG), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), local government
units, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Department of Education (DepEd),
Department of Tourism (DOT), and Philippine National Police (PNP), among
others, are also in the loop to monitor and secure the locals within their area
of responsibility,” Cassion said.
Karen Mae Durac, medical officer IV of the Department of Health (DOH)-Caraga, reiterated that the DOH’s campaign dubbed ‘Iwas Lunod Komunidad’ aims to ensure the safety of everyone, especially the children,when going to beach resorts, swimming pools, and other water recreational venues. Photo by PIA Caraga.
Karen Mae Durac, medical officer of DOH-Caraga, also emphasized that parents should also teach their kids how to swim properly along with first aid training in order to save themselves during any eventuality.
“At their
young age, our children should be taught about basic life support skills,
including how to swim, so they will know how to survive any untoward incident.
It is their main responsibility to look after the safety and welfare of their
children as parents. Let’s protect them in any way possible,” underscored
Durac.
She also
revealed that the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices
(LDRRMOs) and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) could also be tapped as resource
speakers in the basic life support trainings.
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| Media practitioners in Butuan City expressed their commitment to support the DOH’s campaign during their respective programs, publications, and social media postings. Photo by PIA Caraga. |
Durac further reminded everyone to be health-conscious,hydrate by drinking lots of water, and avoid too much exposure to the heat of the sun.
“With
this El NiΓ±o phenomenon that we are experiencing these days, we have to
prioritize our health and make sure that we are able to cope with the dry
season and keep everyone safe,” she said.
Meanwhile, the media partners also expressed their support forthese campaigns by committing to include in their daily programs, publications, and online postings the DOH tips for everyone to practice. (JPG, PIA-Caraga)
