The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) urged local government units (LGUs) to take steps to prevent the spread of influenza-like illness in their communities.
This as the Department of Health reported that 114,127 cases of flu-like illness from January 1 to August 12 this year, up 52 percent from the same period in 2022.
According to the DOH Epidemiology Bureau, Davao logged the highest number of cases, with 18,656; followed by Northern Mindanao with 15,585, and Central Visayas with 13,280.
“We already have protocols in place regarding infectious diseases because of the recent pandemic, so I hope that our LGUs will be prudent and take proactive steps to prevent the spread of disease in their communities,” PCSO Chairman Junie E. Cua said.
According to the DOH Epidemiology Bureau, Davao logged the highest number of cases, with 18,656; followed by Northern Mindanao with 15,585, and Central Visayas with 13,280.
Meanwhile, the Zamboanga peninsula recorded the highest increase in cases at 268 percent or from 1,407 to 5,178; while Metro Manila had a 142-percent increase or 2,636 to 6,372, and Ilocos, 138 percent or from 2,955 to 7,026.
Cua also reminded local leaders that their LGU shares, which they receive from the PCSO, can be used for procuring medicines and disease prevention kits for distribution to the public.
“LGUs have a wide latitude in using their PCSO shares for the health and medical needs of their constituents. Maaaring gamitin ito para sa pagbigay ng gamot sa mga komunidad,” he said.
The PCSO is mandated to give a portion of its lotto and STL proceeds to LGUs, with cities and municipalities receiving five percent, and provinces receiving 2 percent of the said proceeds.
Cua also urged the public to take precautions against flu-like illness, which health experts say is common during the rainy season.
“Huwag po tayo mag-atubili na magpakonsulta sa doktor o sa ating mga health center kapag nakaramdam na tayo ng mga symptoms. Let’s also be considerate of others and use masks if we exhibit symptoms of flu-like illness,” he said.
“At para sa mga kababayan natin sa Metro Manila, nais lamang naming muling ipaalam na may libreng konsultasyon sa Multi-Specialty Clinic sa PCSO Main Office sa Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City,” Cua added.
The clinic has specialists in Cardiology, Neurology and Psychiatry, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), Pulmonology, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Orthopedic Surgery, and Ophthalmology, he also said.
