BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Municipal Health Office (MHO) of Bontoc, led by Municipal Health Officer Dr Diga Kay Gomez, has called upon the Barangay Local Government Units (LGUs) and partner stakeholders to assist in raising public awareness about the prevention of dengue and Hand, Foot & Mouth Diseases (HFMD).
This initiative was discussed during a joint meeting of the Local Health Board (LHB) and the Municipal Nutrition Council (MNC) held on June 17, 2025, at the Bontoc Municipal Capitol Auditorium.
On behalf of Dr Gomez, Nurse I Dixi Jane Lingbanan-Kiniway reported that the municipality has recorded a total of 17 dengue cases from January to June 16, 2025. The cases were distributed as follows: one case each from Barangays Alab Oriente, Dalican, Guina-ang, Maligcong, Mainit, Poblacion, and Talubin; two cases each from Barangays Balili, Bontoc Ili, and Samoki; and Barangay Caluttit, which recorded the highest number of cases, with four.
In light of this, Kiniway stressed the importance of preventive measures to prevent the further spread of these infections. She highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the Bontoc LGU through the MHO, including the distribution of Olyset nets to barangays, the regular implementation of “Oplan Taob,” in partnership with the Barangay LGUs and other partner stakeholders, and the conduct of indoor and outdoor residual spraying at the Bontoc Central School in collaboration with the Department of Education and the Parent-Teacher Association.
The MHO also emphasized the 5S Strategies Against Dengue to include S-earch and destroy mosquito breeding sites; S-ecure self-protection measures like wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts, and daily use of mosquito repellant; S-eek early consultation; S-upport fogging/spraying; and S-ustain hydration.
Additionally, Kiniway reported a total of 14 HFMD cases in Bontoc from January to June 16, 2025. Barangay Caluttit had five cases; Barangay Samoki recorded three; Barangays Poblacion and Bontoc Ili had two each; and Alab Proper and Caneo had one each. She urged the public to remain vigilant and adhere to preventive measures.
According to the World Health Organization, HFMD is a common infectious disease primarily affecting children but can also occur in adolescents and adults. Most cases are mild and self-limiting, with symptoms including fever, mouth sores, sore throat, and rashes with blisters on the hands, feet, and buttocks.
The MHO encourages the public to practice proper hygiene, including frequent hand washing with soap, avoiding skin-to-skin contact with infected individuals, regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and shared items (like toys and doorknobs), and consulting a doctor immediately upon observing symptoms.
Regarding tuberculosis cases from January to May 2025, Bontoc has recorded a total of 25 cases. Barangay Caluttit reported seven cases, Poblacion five, Samoki four, and two cases each in Bontoc Ili and Caneo. One case each was reported in Alab Oriente, Alab Proper, Balili, Dalican, and Maligcong.
With the report from the MHO, Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., who chairs the LHB and MNC, called for the community’s commitment and participation in maintaining a clean and healthy environment to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
In attendance during the joint meeting were members of the LHB and MNC including various offices from the Bontoc LGU, Department of Health, Provincial Government of Mountain Province-Provincial Health Office, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Department of Education -Bontoc District, Barangay LGUs, MINAMAGKIT Organization, Bontoc Market Vendors Association, Ilaglakhan Livelihood Organization, and BHW/ BNS President. The LHB -MNC joint meeting was presided over by Mayor Tudlong. By Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay
