KABUGAO, Apayao – The provincial government, through Provincial Administrator Arnold Castillo, convened a multi-agency meeting on May 23, 2025, to intensify the inspection of water sources and distribution pipelines in Barangay Sacpil following a spike in acute diarrhea cases.
The meeting gathered representatives from the Provincial Health Office (PHO), Special Projects of the provincial government, Department of Health of Apayao (DOH-Apayao) and of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), the Municipal Health Office (MHO), municipal government of Conner, Santa Marcela Rural Health Unit (RHU), and Amma Jadsac District Hospital (AJDH). Barangay officials were also present to coordinate local action.
The heightened response follows the launch of an outbreak investigation on May 22–24, led by PHO and supported by the Provincial Planning and Development Office, the Provincial Governor’s Office, DOH-Apayao, Center for Health Development-CAR, and certified field epidemiologists from Santa Marcela RHU and AJDH.
The investigation seeks to verify the outbreak, determine the mode of transmission, and recommend appropriate interventions. Field activities include medical record reviews, key informant interviews, environmental inspections, water sampling, and house-to-house health education. Community engagement remains central to the response strategy.
As of May 23, a total of 159 cases have been reported by the RHU, slightly up from the previous 155. The most affected age group is between 31 to 40 years old, according to field health workers. Water quality testing of donated supplies has been initiated by the MHO, with lab results expected within 24 hours.
Emergency medical support remains in place, with the RHU’s vehicle on 24-hour standby and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office providing logistical assistance.
Aid continues to reach Barangay Sacpil through donations of distilled water, groceries, hygiene kits, medicines, water filters, and financial relief from concerned yApayaos and national line agencies from neighboring provinces.
Provincial Administrator Castillo affirmed the province’s continued support to Barangay Sacpil. He emphasized the importance of coordination on the ground, noting that the investigation and response are focused on controlling the situation and protecting the community. By Krizza Castillo
