The said memorandum stipulates the corresponding tasks of each member agency of RIACEH in mitigating the increasing incidence of FWBD during rainy seasons and in areas in the region with poor sanitation and hygienic practices.

Meanwhile, DOH-CHD 6 Medical Technologist Dennar Jun A. Romey discussed the salient features of the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW).

Island in Antique among its several barangays affected by the oil spill in early March this year.

Some of the initiatives that the DOH has done were the conduct of assessments, continuous environmental surveillance, water sampling to water sources, and issuance of an advisory containing some amendments on the working policy in the affected zones, serving as the baseline of the local government unit in extending the working hours of the clean-up crew in view of hastening environmental recovery.

Likewise, in his presentation, Engr. Joemer F. Fayo of the DOH-CHD 6 emphasized both the environmental and occupational health mandate in the institutionalization of the RIACEH.

Fayo said that it is imperative to strengthen the committee in order to protect the public’s health better from the growing health problems related to environmental degradation.

He added that among the viable steps to undertake is to formulate policies, develop environmental health programs, and conduct information dissemination campaigns pertaining to environmental protection, among others. (AAL/AGP/PIA 6)