Valencia City Health Office

Epidemiology Disease Surveillance and Research Division (EDSR)
Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS)

HEMS Conducts Orientation and Trauma Kit Familiarization

On May 12, 2026, the Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS) team successfully conducted a meeting and orientation for all members under the leadership of Atty. MICHAEL E. ESCALANTE,MD, City Health Officer, MD, CGDH-I. The activity aimed to strengthen the members’ knowledge and preparedness in emergency response operations.

During the meeting, Dr. ANITO RONDINA Jr., HEMS Medical Coordinator, introduced the names and proper uses of the equipment found inside the trauma kit bags. The discussion helped participants become more familiar with the essential medical tools used during emergency situations and rescue operations.

MYRA DIANE A. VALERO, RN, MAN, EMT, Nurse II - EDSR Division Head together with CIPRIANO JR. Y. PAT, RN Disease Surveillance Officer (DSO), also reminded all HEMS members about the organization’s rules and regulations to ensure discipline, coordination, and professionalism during activities and operations.

As part of the activity requirements, all HEMS members signed waiver forms. The orientation was considered successful and beneficial in promoting safety awareness, teamwork, and readiness among all participants.

Epidemiology Disease Surveillance and Research Division (EDSR)
City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU)

CHO Conducts Surveillance and Monitoring on Suspected Dengue Case in Valencia City

The City Health Office, through the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, conducted surveillance and monitoring activities on May 18, 2026, following a suspected Dengue case involving a 65-year-old female resident from P-2 Sugod, Valencia City.

According to reports, the patient was admitted to Medidas Hospital on May 16, 2026, after experiencing dengue-related symptoms including fever, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Continuous monitoring and coordination are being conducted to ensure proper medical management and timely public health response.

The activity was spearheaded by Disease Surveillance Officer (DSO) Cipriano Jr. Y. Pat,RN together with his dedicated team under the leadership and guidance of City Health Officer Atty. Michael E. Escalante, MD, CGDH-I.

The CHO reminds the public to remain vigilant against dengue by maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings, eliminating stagnant water where mosquitoes may breed, and immediately seeking medical consultation when symptoms such as persistent fever, vomiting, body pain, and loss of appetite occur.
The City Health Office remains committed to strengthening disease surveillance and protecting the health and safety of the community through continuous monitoring, public cooperation, and timely health interventions.

Epidemiology Disease Surveillance and Research Division (EDSR)
City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU)

Surveillance update for increased Dengue Cases in Valencia City

The City Health Office, through the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU), conducted a public health response and monitoring activity on May 14, 2026, following a suspected Dengue case involving a 15-year-old male resident from Sugod, Valencia City.

The activity was spearheaded by Disease Surveillance Officer (DSO) Cipriano Jr. Y. Pat,RN together with his dedicated team composed of Dori Jun Yam-Oc, Kyron Jay Duat, and Edrian Cork, under the leadership and guidance of City Health Officer Atty. Michael E. Escalante, MD, CGDH-I.

According to initial reports, the patient started experiencing symptoms on May 8, 2026, and was admitted to Medidas Hospital on the afternoon of May 10, 2026. Due to the progression of the case, the patient was referred to Bukidnon Provincial Medical Center on May 13, 2026, at around 11:00 PM.

The CHO continues to remind the public to remain vigilant against dengue by maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings, eliminating stagnant water where mosquitoes may breed, and immediately seeking medical consultation when symptoms such as persistent fever, headache, body pain, rashes, or bleeding manifestations occur.

The City Health Office assures the public that surveillance and response efforts are continuously being conducted to help prevent the spread of dengue and protect the health and safety of the community.

The City Government of Valencia, under the leadership of Mayor Amie G. Galario and Vice Mayor Greizl Galario-Fernandez, through the City Health Office, joins the rest of the world in observing Dengue Awareness Month 2026 and commemorating ASEAN Dengue Day on June 15, 2026, with the theme: “ASEAN UNITED: Zero Dengue Deaths – A Future We Build Together by 2030.”

This theme serves as a powerful call to action for governments, healthcare workers, communities, schools, and families to strengthen collective efforts in preventing and controlling dengue.

Every year, dengue affects thousands of individuals and families across Southeast Asia, making it a continuing public health challenge. Achieving Zero Dengue Deaths by 2030 will require strengthened community participation, early detection, prompt treatment, and effective vector control measures.

A key strategy in this fight against dengue is the Alas-Kwatro Kontra Mosquito Campaign, which encourages communities to dedicate time every 4:00 PM to search for and eliminate mosquito breeding sites through the following actions:

Taob – Cover all water containers to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.

Taktak – Empty and remove stagnant water from containers, tires, flower pots, gutters, and other potential breeding sites.

Tuyo – Keep surroundings dry and clean by ensuring that water does not accumulate in and around homes and communities.

Takip – Properly cover water storage containers and maintain good sanitation practices to prevent mosquito proliferation.

Through the Alas-Kwatro Kontra Mosquito Campaign, communities are empowered to take simple yet effective actions that significantly reduce mosquito breeding and dengue transmission.
Dengue prevention starts at home and within our communities.

Everyone is encouraged to practice the 5S Strategy:

• Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites.

• Self-protection measures such as wearing protective clothing and using mosquito repellents.

• Seek early consultation when experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, body pain, and rashes.

• Support spraying and fogging in hotspot areas when recommended by health authorities.

• Sustain hydration.

Community clean-up drives, proper waste disposal, regular emptying of water-holding containers, and maintaining clean surroundings remain essential in eliminating mosquito breeding grounds.

As members of one ASEAN community, let us recognize that dengue prevention is a shared responsibility. Through unity, vigilance, and collective action, we can protect lives, strengthen community resilience, and move closer to a future where no life is lost to dengue.

Together, let us build a healthier and safer ASEAN. Together, let us achieve Zero Dengue Deaths by 2030.

With information from the City Health Office.

𝐂𝐇𝐎 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐁𝐓𝐂 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲

The Valencia City Health Office (CHO) welcomed representatives from the Malaybalay City Health Office during a benchmarking activity at the Animal Bite Treatment Center (ABTC) on May 29, 2026.

Led by Dr. Michael Organiza, Medical Specialist I, the CHO Malaybalay delegation visited the facility to learn about the best practices and systems implemented by the Valencia City ABTC, headed by Dr. Juniver Flores, MPH, EMT, in delivering animal bite treatment services.

The benchmarking activity was facilitated by Dr. Emmy Lou Isidro, RN, and Donisen Nini, ABTC Encoder, who shared the center’s operations, patient management processes, and service delivery strategies.

The activity served as a venue for knowledge-sharing and collaboration between the two local government units, providing an opportunity to exchange insights and strengthen animal bite treatment and prevention services.

Through the continued support of Mayor Amie Galario and Vice Mayor Greizl Galario-Fernandez, the City Government of Valencia remains committed to promoting quality healthcare services and sharing best practices with fellow LGUs.

CHO Celebrates May Measurement Month 2026

The City Government of Valencia successfully conducted the May Measurement Month 2026 activity on May 28, 2026, at the City Covered Court, City Hall Compound, highlighting the provision of health services for LGU employees as part of efforts to promote regular blood pressure monitoring and prevent hypertension-related complications.

The event was made possible through the support of Mayor Amie Galario and Vice Mayor Greizl Galario-Fernandez, together with the City Health Office (CHO) under the leadership of Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Division Head Dr. Crysthia Lorcyl A. Sistoso, RN, and Nurse Coordinator Rhesty Amor Viva, RN. The activity was conducted in collaboration with the Department of Health–Center for Health Development Northern Mindanao (DOH-CHD NM), represented by Karen Garces, RN, MAN, DMO IV.

The activity featured an inspirational message from Dr. Almer Alfonso, Executive Assistant IV, who emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare and regular health monitoring. Meanwhile, Dr. Crysthia Lorcyl A. Sistoso delivered a health education session focusing on hypertension, its risk factors, prevention, and management. In addition, Sheena Palma, RND, highlighted the role of proper nutrition in controlling blood pressure through Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT).

The City Health Office continues to strengthen its commitment to promoting the early detection, prevention, and proper management of hypertension and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through initiatives such as the Mass PhilPEN Risk Assessment for individuals aged 20 years old and above.

A total of 371 individuals benefited from the activity, including 324 adults (20–59 years old) and 47 senior citizens who underwent risk assessment and health screening.

Among the 324 adults assessed, the following risk factors were identified:
* Hypertensive – 7
* Diabetic – 2
* Unhealthy lifestyle practices – 110
* Overweight – 93
Among the 47 senior citizens assessed, the following were identified:
* Unhealthy lifestyle practices – 23
* Overweight – 27
* Smoker – 2

May Measurement Month is a global campaign that encourages individuals to know their blood pressure status and take proactive steps toward better cardiovascular health. Hypertension remains one of the leading risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and is often referred to as a "silent killer" due to its lack of noticeable symptoms.