Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit - Region XII

𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗨, 𝗜𝗖𝗧 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀

The Department of Health – Center for Health Development (DOH–CHD) SOCCSKSARGEN, through the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) and the Information and Communication Technology Unit (ICTU), completed three batches of the Integrated Clinic Information System (iClinicSys) Version 4.3 Training in all provinces, including General Santos City on September 10-12, October 8-10, and October 22-24.

This region-wide initiative aimed to strengthen the digital competencies of clinical data encoders and Field Health Services Information System (FHSIS) coordinators by equipping them with the skills to effectively navigate and utilize the upgraded iClinicSys platform. The training emphasized the importance of accurate, timely, and complete health data—cornerstones of sound clinical decision-making and efficient service delivery.

The rollout of iClinicSys Version 4.3 marks a pivotal step in the region’s ongoing efforts to modernize health data management.

𝐃𝐎𝐇-𝐂𝐇𝐃 𝐒𝐎𝐗 𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐅𝐇𝐒𝐈𝐒 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦

The Department of Health - Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) SOCCSKSARGEN Region, through the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit and the Epidemiology Bureau from DOH Central Office, conducted the pilot Local Field Health Services Information System (FHSIS) Functionality Assessment on October 29–31, 2025 at the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) Cotabato, Amas, Kidapawan City. The assessment aimed to evaluate FHSIS implementation, strengthen data quality, and ensure sustained compliance among Local Government Units (LGUs) in accordance with EO 352 s. 1996, RA 11332, AO 2024-0014, RA 7160, and the Universal Health Care Act.

The onsite evaluation reviewed existing FHSIS processes, identified operational gaps, and recommended improvements. Key findings highlighted the ongoing updating of the Provincial Health Code to integrate FHSIS policies, the need for more standardized and well-documented data validation procedures, and delays in rural health unit report submissions affecting provincial data consolidation. Recommendations emphasized reinforcing policy integration, adopting uniform validation protocols, and utilizing standardized reporting templates and monitoring tools to enhance report timeliness and completeness.

Notably, IPHO Cotabato - FHSIS Unit achieved a Functional status, demonstrating its capability to perform core FHSIS functions and its commitment to continuous system improvement. In conclusion, the assessment generated valuable insights that will contribute to the improvement of local health data systems.

IPHO Cotabato - FHSIS Unit was selected as the pilot site of the assessment based on criteria outlined in the Epidemiology Bureau Memorandum dated June 20, 2025.

𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐂𝐒𝐊𝐒𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐍 𝐠𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐮𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦

The Department of Health - Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) SOCCSKSARGEN Region brought together four batches of health workers and program coordinators for the Training and Workshop on CY 2026 Field Health Services Information System (FHSIS) Indicators in all provinces and General Santos City on October 14-17, October 21-24, November 4-7, and November 11-14. This aimed to strengthen health information systems across the region by next year.

During the training, participants explored the updated 2026 FHSIS indicators, revised target client lists, and enhanced procedures for recording, reporting, and validating health data. They also expressed their appreciation for the clear guidance, practical exercises, and improved tools to deliver reliable health information within SOCCSKSARGEN.

The activity enhanced the collaboration among healthcare workers and highlighted the essential role of accurate data in shaping evidence-based plans and timely health decisions.

𝐏𝐒𝐀 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟑𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡

The Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of the Department of Health - Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) SOCCSKSARGEN commemorated the 36th National Statistics Month on October 06, 2025, at the Conference Hall of the DOH building.

With a theme, “Accelerating the SDG Pace of Progress: Mobilizing Data for All”, the highlight of the event was the onsite services provided by PSA. DOH employees were able to conveniently process requests for birth, marriage, and death certificates, as well as register for the national ID—all within the venue.

Moreover, Akmad Cog, Registration Officer III of PSA XII, provided an in-depth overview of the Philippine National ID, highlighting its key features, practical benefits, and wide-ranging applications. He emphasized that, in accordance with BSP Memorandum No. 2025-012, the national ID is now officially recognized for bank transactions. El Gayosa, Statistical Specialist II, introduced the PSA’s online appointment system and mobile outlet services, which aim to streamline access to civil registration. Meanwhile, Jon Paolo Fusilero, Registration Officer I, discussed the importance of accurate civil registration and vital statistics in shaping public health policies and development planning.

𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐔 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐇𝐈𝐕 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐚

The Department of Health – Center for Health Development SOCCSKSARGEN Region, through the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) and HIV Program, conducted a Data Quality Assessment and Improvement (DQAI) activity from September 16 to 19, 2025, at Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital - H4 Clinic (SK), ZZ Health and Wellness Center, Gensan. The initiative aimed to validate HIV-related data encoded in OHASIS against physical facility records to identify discrepancies and enhance data integrity across reporting sites.

The assessment covered key areas such as OHASIS utilization, treatment record accuracy, record-keeping and facility databases, human resources, inventory reporting, infection control practices, and service delivery. Facilities also took part in SWOT and fishbone analyses to pinpoint their key challenges and opportunities for improvement as the region works toward achieving the 95-95-95 HIV targets.

On-site technical assistance was provided to address identified gaps and implement immediate corrective actions. The activity also underscored the importance of continuous mentoring, regular data reviews, and documentation quality checks as part of the region’s intensified HIV program and surveillance initiatives.

Part of the monitoring team were: Prilyn Ann S. Asuncion-Malon, DMO III, Almira A. Solaiman – Nurse III, together with Sandra I. Masalikel – HPO I

This is in pursuant with Republic Act No. 11166, or the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act, the Department of Health – Epidemiology Bureau is mandated to receive, collate, and evaluate all HIV and AIDS-related medical reports from health facilities nationwide to ensure accurate and reliable data for public health planning and response.

𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐔 𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞

In an effort to enhance local disease surveillance and outbreak response across SOCCSKSARGEN, the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, headed by Dr. Dyan Zubelle R. Parayao, conducted a simultaneous four-day 2025 ESU Functionality Assessment Validation, Active Case Finding, and LaBBS Monitoring (Level 3 Post Evaluation) for selected infirmaries (hospital epidemiology and surveillance units) across the province of Cotabato on July 22-25, 2025, August 12-15, 2025, and August 26-29, 2025.

The RESU’s assessment teams visited HESUs throughout the province to conduct onsite evaluations using standardized ESU functionality tools, initiate key informant interviews, and validate reported data against source records. These activities were complemented by active case finding and retrospective records review efforts, particularly for notifiable diseases and conditions of public health importance.

The assessment’s initial findings indicated that the disease reporting units (DRUs) experienced challenges in timely reporting. To address this, the issued advisory regarding the cadence of reporting was highlighted. In addition, some difficulties were noted, including the requirement for ongoing mentoring on the use of online information systems and inadequate documentation. The conducted assessment served as a baseline assessment in preparation for the final assessment to be conducted by the PESU Cotabato in October.

The efficiency of RESU’s capacity-building initiatives was further demonstrated by the Level 3 post-evaluation, which found that the majority of trained surveillance officers had improved competency in data analysis, event detection, and outbreak response. Nonetheless, suggestions were made to guarantee consistent performance and fill in skill shortfalls in a few specific areas.

𝐃𝐎𝐇-𝐂𝐇𝐃 𝐒𝐎𝐗 𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲, 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬

The Department of Health - Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) SOCCSKSARGEN conducted an ICD-10 training for the second batch of public health workers from August 18 to 22, 2025, at The Farm @ Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City. The five-day activity aimed to strengthen health data accuracy and improve healthcare delivery by equipping participants with the skills to properly code and describe disease concepts using the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD-10).

29 participants, composed of physicians, nurses, midwives, and pharmacists, took part in lectures, case-based exercises, and group competitions designed to test accuracy and precision in disease coding. Additionally, the training featured challenging activities and coding drills that strengthened participants’ analytical skills and ability to apply ICD-10 standards in various health scenarios.

The sessions were facilitated by resource speakers from DOH-CHD Northern Mindanao, namely, Evita T. Jungao, John Hushein F. Suan, and Iris Christine M. Torralba, together with Dr. Charmaine Pearl A. Cedeño, Medical Officer III of DOH-CHD SOCCSKSARGEN.

𝐃𝐎𝐇-𝐂𝐇𝐃 𝐒𝐎𝐗 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐅𝐇𝐒𝐈𝐒 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The Department of Health (DOH), through the Epidemiology Bureau (EB), spearheaded the Data Validation and Reconciliation of the 1st and 2nd Quarter 2025 Field Health Services Information System (FHSIS) reports led by Dr. Mariel Dejesa, Medical Officer IV, together with Dr. Christine Biaoco, Medical Officer III of the EB, and convened FHSIS coordinators and data managers from different regions on August 11–15, 2025, at the Cebu Grand Hotel, Cebu City. It aimed to ensure accurate, complete, and reliable health data in support of evidence-informed decision-making, aligned with the Universal Health Care Act and the DOH’s 8-Point Action Agenda.

The activity revealed recurring issues with incomplete and delayed submissions, data inconsistencies, and consolidation errors, particularly in morbidity. For non-communicable and infectious diseases, confusion on indicator definitions (e.g., cervical cancer, leprosy prevalence) and inconsistent adoption of reporting tools were noted. Limited manpower and supervisory support further hindered timely and accurate reporting.

To address these, recommendations included standardizing reporting guidelines, providing refresher training, improving ICT systems, and issuing clear DOH/EB directives to ensure reliable and evidence-based health statistics. Despite these challenges, the activity provided a platform for collaboration and technical guidance. Region XII reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing timeliness, accuracy, and consistency in health reporting to ensure better program implementation and delivery of health services.

Representing Region XII were Myla P. Mapait, Regional FHSIS Coordinator, and Enrica Erlind P. Fernandez, Health Program Officer II – FHSIS Data Manager.

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬, 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐎𝐗 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠

The Department of Health – Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) SOCCSKSARGEN, through the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU), conducted the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) Training for Batch 1 from August 4 to 8, 2025, at The Farm @ Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City. It aimed to enhance the capacity of provinces and cities in the region in reporting and coding accurate health data.

Resource speakers from the CHD Davao Region covered modules that included the introduction and history of ICD-10, morbidity and mortality coding, and coding exercises across a wide range of diseases and health conditions. Through interactive discussions and assessments, participants were able to apply coding standards in real-world health records.

Relevant in improving health data quality for evidence-based decision-making, this initiative reaffirms DOH’s commitment to strengthening the health information system for better health service delivery.

𝐅𝐇𝐒𝐈𝐒 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟏𝐬𝐭, 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭

The Department of Health–Center for Health Development SOCCSKSARGEN Region, through its Field Health Services Information System (FHSIS), led by Regional FHSIS Coordinator Myla P. Mapait, conducted the 1st and 2nd Quarter Data Reconciliation of FHSIS Reports and Consultative Meeting on July 31 to August 1, 2025, at Habi Hotel, Koronadal City.

The meeting brought together provincial/city FHSIS coordinators and health program officers to present and review submitted reports. The main objectives were to validate data, identify discrepancies, and collaboratively propose improvements to the reporting process.

Discussions covered program-specific findings and data discrepancies for Family Planning, Maternal and Child Care, Oral Health, Non-Communicable Diseases, Environmental Health, Infectious Diseases, Mortality, and Morbidity.

This initiative reflects CHD’s commitment to strengthening data management and reporting systems as a foundation for evidence-based health program implementation and better health outcomes for communities.

𝐃𝐎𝐇 𝐒𝐎𝐗 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐇𝐒𝐈𝐒 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐭

The Department of Health – Epidemiology Bureau (Monitoring and Evaluation Division), led by Dr. Alfonso Miguel R. Regala conducted the Field Health Services Information System (FHSIS) Policy and Process Audit on July 14–18, 2025, at Savannah Resort Hotel, Angeles City, Pampanga.

The five-day activity brought together key representatives from the Disease Prevention and Control Bureau, Regional and Local FHSIS Coordinators, and Data Managers nationwide to evaluate and strengthen health data collection and reporting systems.

The initiative aligns with Executive Order No. 87, s. 2025, which updates the Systems of Designated Statistics (SDS) to promote evidence-based decision-making. As the DOH’s official statistical activity under the SDS, the FHSIS is guided by Department Memorandum No. 2025-0104, outlining the protocols for health data collection, reporting, management, and dissemination.

𝑲𝒆𝒚 𝑯𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒖𝒅𝒊𝒕:
- Clarification of indicator definitions and proper use of denominators;
- Identification of data duplication issues across information systems;
- Calls for standardizing data sources and reporting pathways to avoid inconsistencies;
- Recognition of logistical and operational challenges affecting program coverage;
- Recommendations for improved metadata definitions, aligned numerators and denominators, and enhanced data quality tools.

Participants underscored the need for ongoing system evaluation and standardized reporting protocols—key to advancing the DOH’s 8-Point Action Agenda and the Universal Health Care Act. The DOH reaffirmed its commitment to data integrity, responsive governance, and strong stakeholder collaboration to ensure the FHSIS remains a cornerstone of effective health policy and program development.

Representing DOH–CHD SOCCSKSARGEN Region were Myla P. Mapait, Enrica Erlind P. Fernandez, and Jan Kenron V. Panerio.