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.
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.
In the recent press conference, DOH Caraga Regional Director, Dr. Cesar Cassion, said that as El Niño 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.
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 Niño 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)
