Author: Selena Alzate

The FDA issued a reminder to consumers, cautioning against purchasing or using health products that have been compromised due to submersion in floodwaters.

Iloilo 1st District Representative Janette Garin has called on the Department of Health (DOH) to adopt a more aggressive approach to combating the disease. This is amid growing concerns over a potential surge in leptospirosis cases following recent floods. 

In response to the alarming rise in leptospirosis cases following recent flooding, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has urged local government units (LGUs) to create ordinances that prohibit children from playing in floodwater.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed two executive orders (EOs) on Tuesday, August 6. These orders led to the creation of the Presidential Office for Child Protection (POCP) and the reorganisation of the government’s Task Force on Zero Hunger. The newly established POCP is tasked with overseeing and aligning government initiatives aimed at safeguarding children and promoting their well-being. This office will play a crucial role in monitoring, harmonising, and recommending policies related to child protection. With a particular focus on combating online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSAEM), and child trafficking.

Taal Volcano, located in Batangas, Philippines, continues to exhibit significant volcanic activity. During its latest explosive episode, it emitted a substantial amount of sulphur dioxide (SO₂). The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the volcano released approximately 3,300 metric tonnes of sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere. This recent activity has raised concerns among local authorities and residents, prompting the issuance of safety advisories.

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has affirmed the authority of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate tobacco products.  This includes heated and novel products like vapes. The decision has been hailed a victory for public health, particularly for its potential to mitigate the harmful effects of tobacco consumption in the Philippines.

Manila’s city government, under the leadership of Mayor Honey Lacuna, is taking significant steps to improve the health and well-being of its elderly. In her recent State of the City Address on 30th July, Mayor Lacuna highlighted the administration’s commitment to health programmes for 180,000 senior citizens. 

Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo has called on PhilHealth to expand its coverage to include the costs of treatment for leptospirosis and tetanus. This appeal has been made in light of the frequent natural disasters affecting the nation. 

In a significant stride towards enhancing public health safety, researchers from the University of the Philippines-Manila have unveiled a pioneering point-of-care testing (POCT) device. This device is capable of detecting selected new psychoactive substances (NPS), commonly known as “designer drugs.”

In a devastating incident in Lamitan, Basilan, two children tragically lost their lives, and three others were hospitalised after consuming pufferfish, known locally as “butete.”