Zamboanga City Health Office-Health Education and Promotion Unit

The Zamboanga City Health Office - Health Education and Promotion Unit (CHO-HEPO) took proactive steps to advance women's well-being, successfully wrapping up Day 2 of its Women's Month initiative at the L' Meridian Hotel.

To address the critical need for mental health support among women, the unit organized a comprehensive session led by Dr. Janina Balbon-Kong, government medical officer and mental health medical coordinator. Dr. Balbon-Kong proactively designed an engaging, interactive discussion covering stress management, emotional well-being, and available support resources – ensuring content was both informative and actionable. Participants were actively involved in mental health games that not only provided refreshment but also proactively fostered a supportive community environment.

Building on the initiative's proactive focus, Dr. Shirisa Alawi, CHO-HEPO Medical Officer, expressed sincere gratitude at the conclusion of the two-day activity. She emphasized that the event was strategically planned to proactively impart valuable knowledge, highlighting the essential role of mental health for women in today's society.

The Zamboanga City Health Office - Health Education and Promotion Unit (CHO-HEPO) has officially launched an empowering Women's Month initiative for Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial High School Stand-Alone Senior High School faculty members and students.

Spearheaded by Program Lead Dr. Shiri Alawi, and with dedicated support from Program Designates Gildalyn Beldua and Von Aguillon, the event opened with inspiring remarks from City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor D. Miravite, MD, MPH. She highlighted how investing in women's health and empowerment strengthens the entire community and educational sector.

Following the opening, Ms. Reinalyn Ferrer from the Department of Health led a comprehensive mental health session. Topics covered included stress management, emotional well-being, and vital support resources available for women.

To make learning engaging and interactive, a series of mental health games were held – designed to build resilience, break down stigma, and help participants connect with one another!

The Zamboanga City Health Office took proactive action to combat tuberculosis, launching a targeted community health drive at the East Wing of KCC Mall in celebration of World Tuberculosis Day.

Taking health services directly to where people live, work, and shop, the team offered free chest X-ray and sputum examination services – successfully reaching approximately 120 individuals, including both mall goers and mall staff.

This forward-looking initiative prioritized early detection, widespread TB awareness, and actively worked to break barriers to care, ensuring equitable access to essential health screening for every member of the community.

The City Health Office of Zamboanga led by Dr. Dulce Amor D. Miravite together with the City Health Education and Promotion Office invites everyone to the World Tuberculosis Day celebration tomorrow, March 24, 2026 at KCC Mall De Zamboanga East Wing. This one day activity from 9:00 onwards provides FREE X-RAY service to first 150 mall goers.

This health celebration observance encourages people to know their Lung Status and fight end Tuberculosis in our community. YES! PILIPINAS can ! Kaya tara na! Magpasuri, Magpagamot, Mag-TPTodo Para Protektado!

"Calling all blood donors! 🩸

Join us for a blood letting activity in celebration of our City Mayor's birthday! It's a meaningful event that helps boost the blood supply and save lives. 🩸

- Date: March 23, 2026
- Time: 8:00AM to 12:00NN
- Location: 2nd Floor, City Hall Lobby

Your donation will go a long way.🩸 Kudos to the organizers and participants. Let's come together to make a difference!

Open to eligible donors. See you there! 😊

The Zamboanga City Health Office, headed by Dr. Dulce Amor D. Miravite, participated in the School-Based Anti-Drug Information Caravan organized by the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) of Barangay San Roque this March 2026.

During the symposium sessions, students were provided with important information on the health risks, psychological effects, and long-term consequences of illegal drug use. Representing the Zamboanga City Health Office, Mr. Von James Aguillon, RN, Nurse–HEPO Designate, served as guest speaker and delivered a lecture on the health impacts of substance abuse and the importance of making informed and responsible choices. He was joined by Dr. Shirisa Alawi, Medical Officer III and HEPO Head, whose presence highlighted the City Health Office’s commitment to strengthening health education and drug abuse prevention initiatives among the youth.

Partner agencies from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) also shared valuable discussions on drug abuse prevention and anti-bullying, further guiding students in making safe and responsible decisions both online and offline.

The activity was successfully conducted at San Roque Elementary School on March 11, 2026, and at Regional Science High School on March 13, 2026, with an estimated 150–200 students participating in each session.

The City Health Office expresses its sincere appreciation to the Barangay Council of San Roque and the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) for organizing this meaningful initiative and for fostering collaboration among partner agencies in empowering the youth through education and awareness.

This activity serves as a reminder that everyone has a role in promoting health, safety, and responsible decision-making in building a drug-free community.

The 22nd National Buntis Day celebration takes place on March 3, 2026, at the KCC East Wing Atrium, actively supporting pregnant women across the city through comprehensive maternal health initiatives, empowering education, direct care services, and the celebratory "Search for Misis Buntis 2026" competition. The event brings together partners including the Philippines Obstetrical and Gynecological Society Western Mindanao Chapter (POGS IX), City Health Office, University of Zamboanga, and generous sponsors to deliver tangible support for expectant mothers.

The program opens with an audio-visual presentation (AVP) including a prayer, national anthem, and POGS Hymn, setting a supportive tone for all attendees. Dr. Jennifer D. Araneta, POGS IX Regional Director, delivers opening remarks that emphasize the collective commitment to maternal well-being, and introduces guest speaker Dr. Dulce Amor D. Miravite, City Health Officer for Zamboanga City. Dr. Miravite shares an inspirational message that encourages and uplifts pregnant women to prioritize their health and seek the care they need.

To directly support expectant mothers, the City Health Office delivers free, accessible maternal health services including thorough blood screenings and counseling. The University of Zamboanga strengthens this support by deploying skilled medical staff and dedicated volunteer students to assist with services at the venue, while sponsors provide incentives like raffle prizes, recognition certificates, and essential event supplies to ensure a welcoming experience for all pregnant attendees.

Two empowering educational lectures equip women with vital knowledge: Dr. Araneta leads a discussion on "The First 2000 Days," highlighting how early care during pregnancy and infancy shapes long-term health outcomes, while a "Family Planning" session provides practical guidance to help women make informed decisions about their reproductive health. Raffles keep participants engaged, and Certificates of Appreciation recognize Dr. Fahda Raiza H. Sahali and Dr. Jehan Jabarani for their contributions to maternal care, before an intermission performance creates a warm, celebratory atmosphere.

The "Search for Misis Buntis 2026" actively showcases and honors the strength of pregnant women, with 10 candidates participating in casual interviews to share their pregnancy journeys, talent segments to express their individuality, and a question-and-answer portion after the top 5 are selected. Special awards recognize outstanding participants: Sheila Baal Abad (Ayala District) receives the Misis Pregnancy Glow award for embodying healthy maternal vitality, Christine Andrea Santos Booth (Calarian District) earns Best in Talent, and Jade Casanova Cuestas (Sta Catalina District) is named People's Choice.

Competition winners are celebrated for representing the resilience and strength of all expectant mothers: Christine Andrea Santos Booth (Calarian District) is crowned 2026 Misis Buntis, with Fatima Slevina A. Salvado (Baliwasan District) as 1st Runner-up and Sheila Baal Abad (Ayala District) as 2nd Runner-up. Awards also recognize judges and POGS officers for their dedication to supporting maternal health, with closing remarks from Dr. Sahali reinforcing the ongoing commitment to uplifting pregnant women in the city. The event is emceed by Dr. Elno Rae Estrada and Dr. Ana Margarita About-Olivar.

The City Health Office proudly joins the City Rabies Control and Eradication Coordinating Council (ZCRCECC) in celebrating the successful launching of Rabies Awareness Month, reminding everyone that rabies remains a serious but 100% preventable disease.

The program was held at Catalina Vda. De Jalon Memorial School with the theme: “Rabies-Free na Pusa’t A*o, Kaligtasan ng Pamilyang Pilipino! Protektahan ang Pamilya, Pabakunahan ang Alaga.”

The activity was attended by barangay officials, school representatives, health workers, and community members, all coming together to raise awareness on the importance of rabies prevention and responsible pet ownership.

The program proper included the Welcome Remarks by Hon. Jacqueline J. Lim, a message from Ms. Julieta M. Besas, an overview of the Rabies Program by Dr. Arcadio B. Cavan Jr., and a message from Hon. Khymer Adan T. Olaso delivered by Dr. Arcadio B. Cavan Jr.

The program concluded with the Closing Remarks from Dr. Dulce Amor D. Miravite, represented by Mr. Nieto Fernandez Jr., followed by the Ceremonial Vaccination of pets and a film showing.

Through this activity, we call on everyone in our community to work together in protecting our families and neighbors from rabies. Responsible pet ownership, regular vaccination of dogs and cats, proper waste management, and immediate consultation after animal bites are essential steps in preventing this deadly disease.

Let us remember that every bite matters, every vaccination counts, and every life is important. Together, let us continue working toward a rabies-free community.

Today, March 4, 2026 is WORLD OBESITY DAY!

This is a global health observance dedicated to raising awareness about obesity as a complex, chronic disease and promoting collective action for prevention, treatment, and inclusive health policies.

With this year's theme, “8 Billion Reasons to Act on Obesity”, it emphasizes changing systems for healthier lives, focusing on creating supportive environments, tackling stigma, and ensuring access to prevention and care, especially for vulnerable communities like children. Obesity affects billions worldwide, increasing the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions.

The Health Education and Promotion Office of the City Health Office of Zamboanga City supports this health observance advocating for an active and healthier lifestyle through healthy food selection and increase physical activity such as daily exercise. Let us make an impact in our community and that advocacy should start today!