Adopting the DOH theme, “Nakasalalay sa iyong kamay ang iyong kalusugan. Ugaliing maghugas ng kamay gamit ang sabon at tubig.” the Polomolok Task Force Kalusugan (PTFK) celebrated the Handwashing Day in Polomolok last November 6, 2009 at Maligo and Silway 7 elementary schools. The activity was initiated by the Municipal Health Office, in collaboration with Mahintana Foundation, Inc., funded by Dole Philippines, Inc.
The celebration started with a short program participated by teachers, pupils and some members of the PTCA and prinicipals from other neighboring schools. Selected members of Task Force Kalusugan such as the two (2) DepEd nurses of the East and West District, Ms. Gemma Lopez and Ms. Mary Eliza Hilomen and the school nurse of Polomolok National High School, Ms. Rose Omiple, Kagawad on Health of Barangay Poblacion, Hon. Amparo Y. Turno, Barangay Captain of Maligo, Hon. Roger Garmino and the Rural Health Physician, Dra. Cherry Rose Jamerlan also attended the said activity. During the inspirational talk rendered by Bar. Captain Roger Garmino,also one of the members of the Executive Committee of PTFK, he committed to allocate a budget for the construction of the water system in the above-mentioned school next year. Dra. Jamerlan,in her message, emphasized that proper hand washing is the most cost-effective way of disease prevention.
After the program, a short documentation on proper handwashing was shown, followed by the actual demonstration which was given by Rural Sanitary Inspector, Ms. Joyce de Guzman.One hundred fifty four (154) pupils from Maligo Elementary School and 192 students from Silway 7 Elementary School were given the IEC and advocacy on proper handwashing. In addition, an initial of 200 IEC materials on handwashing and 100 medium-sized soaps were also given to selected schools who attended the activity.
