17/09/2026
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The Department of Health Cordillera (DOH-CAR), through its Health Promotion Unit (HPU) and the Apayao Provincial Department of Health Office (PDOHO), in collaboration with the Municipality of Calanasan, Apayao, commemorated World Environmental Health Day and Global Handwashing Day on September 15, 2026, at the Calanasan Sports Complex as part of the PuroKalusugan initiative.
PuroKalusugan provided an extensive range of complimentary health services and promotional activities, such as cancer and HIV screenings, mental health support, nutritional counseling, medical consultations, and medication distribution. Additionally, the SHANUM Initiatives contributed essential hygiene supplies, including soap, drum net covers, and Aquatabs, to improve community health standards.
Although the initiative was originally intended to serve 150 individuals, the collaborative efforts of the HPU, Apayao PDOHO, and the Calanasan Local Government Unit successfully engaged 256 participants.
Service utilization data indicates that 273 participants completed risk assessments, 174 received free medications, 154 underwent medical consultations, and 150 were provided with handwashing supplies through the SHANUM Initiatives.
Furthermore, 108 individuals participated in health promotion activities; 99 received nutritional counseling; 56 were screened for HIV; 56 were screened for cancer; 13 accessed mental health services; and 14 registered for the YAKAP program.
The implementation of the PuroKalusugan program in Calanasan, Apayao, was highly successful in observing both World Environmental Health Day and Global Handwashing Day.
PuroKalusugan serves as the Department of Healthβs community-based primary healthcare framework, established to deliver services directly to the purok level.
The program seeks to remove geographical and financial barriers to care by deploying multidisciplinary teams; consisting of barangay health workers, nurses, and midwives to offer a comprehensive suite of free services, including immunizations, maternal care, nutrition screenings, TB and HIV testing, non-communicable disease management, and PhilHealth enrollment.
The initiative ensures that underserved and remote populations receive equitable access to quality healthcare without the burden of travel or out-of-pocket expenses by focusing on eight priority health outcomes.
βοΈπ· Conan Gulapa
