Monday, August 8, 2016

DepEd issues order: Stop dengue in public schools


By Georaloy I. Palao-ay

BAGUIO CITY -- With the upsurge of suspected dengue cases in the region, the Dept. of Education – Cordillera Administrative Region issued a directive ordering all schools to implement the Brigada Kalinisan and other activities to ensure ‘larvae-free surroundings’ all year-round.
Regional Memorandum No. 195, series 2016 included activities like information, education campaigns (IECs) on key messages of dengue prevention, integration to health subjects, destruction of breeding sites like regular cleaning of water canals within and around the school campuses, removal of stagnant waters and proper garbage disposal.
Health and nutrition personnel and school heads were urged to coordinate with their city or municipal health offices, non-government organizations and Dept. of Health for technical assistance, IEC materials, and provision of insecticide treated nets or screens for areas with high incidence of Dengue.
“We also advise our learners to just wear long pants or jogging pants and long sleeves as a preventive measure against mosquito bites for now” said Regional Director Beatriz G. Torno.
The director added that schools should institutionalize Brigada Kalinisan as part of an all-year round measure for dengue-free and eco-friendly campus.
“The Schools Division Offices and schools must also coordinate with their local government units if fogging and misting is needed,” Torno said.
All heads of school, teachers, non-teaching personnel, pupils and students are likewise instructed to seek early treatment or refer to proper authorities should there be signs and symptoms of dengue.
According to earlier reports from DOH, Benguet and Baguio have the highest swell of suspected Dengue cases compared to their data last year.
Benguet rose to around 1,483 dengue cases from just 437 last year while Baguio has 1,109 compared to last year’s 252.

As of press time, DepEd CAR was gathering complete data of students, teachers, and other personnel confirmed to have acquired Dengue. 

No comments:

Post a Comment