CL - Poison Control Unit and Information Services

21/08/2025

Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital’s Toxicology Care Center
brings you this important information on PIT VIPER BITE.

Pit viper bites are medical emergencies. The venom can cause rapid swelling, severe pain, bleeding, and tissue destruction, and may lead to life-threatening complications such as difficulty breathing, shock, and organ damage.

Let’s spread awareness to protect our communities, especially those living near fields, forests, and rural areas where snakes are common.

For emergencies, contact the CLMMRH Toxicology Care Center through the hotlines in the image.

16/08/2025

16/08/2025

Congratulations to Ms. Jody L. Bedonia, Mr. Albert Vincent Q. De Leon, and Ms. Phoebe M. Dizon for officially passing the very first Certified Clinical Toxicology Nurse Certification Examination last August 10, 2025!

Your CLMMRH Poison Control Unit and Information Services family is beyond proud of your dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence.

15/08/2025

Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital’s Toxicology Care Center brings you this important information on TUKLAW CIGARETTE INHALATION.

The TUKLAW cigarette contains high levels of ni****ne (up to 9%) and synthetic cannabinoids substances that mimic marijuana’s effects but are far more potent and dangerous. According to PDEA and DDB, it has three times more ni****ne than a regular cigarette, making it highly addictive and potentially deadly.

Let’s spread awareness and protect our families especially children, teens, and communities at risk.
For emergencies, contact the CLMMRH Toxicology Care Center through the hotlines in the image.

04/08/2025

Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital’s Toxicology Care Center brings you this vital information on PESTICIDE POISONING.
Pesticides are widely used in households, farms, and gardens to control pests—but improper handling, accidental ingestion, or intentional exposure can lead to serious and life-threatening poisoning. Children, farmers, and individuals in rural communities are particularly at risk.

Pesticide poisoning may cause nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, seizures, or unconsciousness—and in severe cases, it can result in organ failure or death if not treated promptly.

Learn how to recognize the symptoms, understand the risks, and follow critical first aid steps that could save a life.

Please read this infographic carefully and share it widely to help raise awareness and protect our families, agricultural workers, and communities.

For emergencies, contact the CLMMRH Toxicology Care Center through the hotlines provided in the image.

04/08/2025

The Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH), through its Poison Control Unit and Information Services (PCUIS) proudly participated in the CBRN/HAZMAT Hospital Response Training held from July 28 to August 1, 2025, at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, Cebu City.

This intensive national training brought together healthcare and emergency response professionals from across the country to enhance preparedness and hospital surge capacity in responding to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) incidents and Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) emergencies. Participants engaged in advanced lectures, hands-on simulations, and decontamination drills aimed at strengthening the health system’s ability to respond to large scale exposure events.

Representing CLMMRH were key toxicology and emergency medicine physicians, including Dr. Christine Anne Espeja and Dr. Quiana Tan from the Department of Emergency Medicine, alongside members of PCUIS demonstrating the hospital’s strong interdepartmental collaboration in disaster and toxicologic emergency response.

CLMMRH’s involvement underscores its commitment to regional and national health security through continuous capacity building, preparedness, and cross-sectoral training.

We extend our gratitude to the organizers, partners, and fellow responders who made this vital initiative possible.

02/08/2025

The Poison Control Unit and Information Services (PCUIS) of Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) took part in the recently concluded Point-of-Care / Authorized Specimen Collection Training held on July 31 to August 1, 2025, at Quezon City.

This specialized training gathered Regional Poison Control Centers from across the country and was spearheaded by the East Avenue Medical Center Toxicology Referral and Training Center, in partnership with the National Reference Laboratory. The course aimed to strengthen the competencies of healthcare professionals in specimen collection focusing on safe, accurate, and standardized practices essential for toxicology and emergency care.

Representing CLMMRH PCUIS were Mr. Franz Ceasar S. Bunda, RN, and Ms. Jody L. Bedonia, RN, both serving as Toxicology Nurses, along with Mrs. Chris Anne Makaluyos, RCh, the unit’s Analytical Toxicologist. Their active participation reflects the hospital’s strong commitment to continuous learning and its dedication to improving the delivery of timely, precise, and patient centered toxicology services.

Through this training, the PCUIS team has further enriched its capability to perform high-quality point-of-care diagnostics and specimen handling, aligned with national standards and best practices. This marks another important step forward in CLMMRH’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its role as a regional leader in toxicology care and public health response.

28/07/2025

RECAP: Poison Control Unit and Information Services (PCUIS) of the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) proudly took part in the MIMAROPA Center for Health Development’s initiative in partnership with the Environmental and Occupational Health Cluster, the Disease Prevention and Control Bureau Environmental and Occupational Health Division (DPCB-EOHD), and the Toxicology Specialty Center (TSC).

Held last July 21–25, 2025, in Palawan, the event focused on the Development of Protocols for Pre-Hospital Emergency Management Systems for Road Accidents, a key step toward improving emergency response and reducing preventable deaths from traffic incidents.

Dr. Cherie Quingking, Head of CLMMRH–PCUIS, delivered a comprehensive lecture on the Overview of Hospital-Specific Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Policies and Guidelines, highlighting the OSH framework and the CLMMRH / Toxicology Referral and Training Center.

Meanwhile, Dr. Robby Ace Balquin, one of PCUIS’s passionate and dedicated member, also gave a lecture that tackled hazard identification, safety protocols, and re-entry planning in healthcare settings.

The activity featured insightful discussions led by experts including Dr. John Paul Ner, Dr. Cherie Quingking, Engr. Rene N. Timbang, Engr. Maria Sonabel S. Anarna, and Engr. Jocelyn D. Sonia, all of whom emphasized the importance of strengthening occupational health and emergency preparedness.

CLMMRH–PCUIS remains steadfast in supporting national efforts to enhance hospital safety and pre-hospital emergency systems for a healthier, safer community.

27/07/2025

Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital’s Toxicology Care Center brings you this vital information on PARACETAMOL OVERDOSE.

Paracetamol is commonly used to treat pain and fever, but taking too much whether accidentally or intentionally can cause serious harm. An overdose can lead to liver damage, liver failure, or even death, especially if medical care is delayed.

Learn to identify the risks, recognize the warning signs, and know the first aid measures that can save lives.
Please read this infographic carefully and share it widely to help raise awareness and protect our families, especially children, students, and those who regularly use pain relievers.

For emergencies, contact the CLMMRH Toxicology Care Center through the hotlines provided in the image.

27/07/2025

The Poison Control Unit and Information Services (PCUIS) of Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) proudly took part in the Faculty Development Workshop – Postgraduate Course in Toxicology Administration held last July 15–18, 2025 in Zamboanga City, Philippines.

This national workshop, facilitated by the East Avenue Medical Center Toxicology Referral and Training Center in collaboration with the Zamboanga City Medical Center Toxicology Care Center, brought together Poison Control Centers from across the country for four days of intensive learning, collaboration, and innovation in toxicology education.

CLMMRH was represented by our passionate team: PCUIS Head Dr. Cherie Grace Quingking, Dr. Grace Almenor, Mr. Franz Ceasar Bunda, and Ms. Phoebe Mojeno Dizon who actively engaged in sessions on adult learning strategies, interactive facilitation (both online and in-person), and effective feedback and debriefing techniques.

Participants also explored best practices in designing assessments, using evaluation tools like surveys and OSCEs, and crafting action plans to elevate toxicology training through strong quality assurance principles.

This workshop marks another milestone in CLMMRH’s mission to champion excellence in poison control, public health education, and clinical toxicology services.

Together, we heal. Together, we educate. Together, we lead.

17/07/2025

Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital’s Toxicology Care Center brings you this vital information on CONE SNAIL STING (BINGA NGA BAGOONG).

Cone snails may look harmless or even beautiful, but certain species like Conus geographus can deliver a venomous sting that contains powerful neurotoxins. A single sting may lead to numbness, paralysis, respiratory failure, or even death, especially without immediate medical care.

Learn to identify the risks, recognize the warning signs, and know the first aid measures that can save lives.

Please read this infographic carefully and share it widely to help raise awareness and protect our families, fisherfolk, and beachgoers.

📞 For emergencies, contact the CLMMRH Toxicology Care Center through the hotlines provided in the image.

16/07/2025

RECAP: Last July 7 to 11, 2025, the Program Implementation Review and Planning Workshop on Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH) was held in General Santos City, organized by the Environmental and Occupational Health Division (EOHD) of the Department of Health. This five-day gathering brought together regional coordinators, representatives from the Centers for Health Development (CHDs), and Toxicology Specialty Centers from across the country to review program progress and align strategies for strengthening environmental and occupational health services.

Representing Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) were Dr. Cherie Grace G. Quingking, PCUIS Head, and Dr. Robby Ace Balquin, who both actively participated in the sessions. Their involvement reflected CLMMRH’s continued commitment to advancing responsive and evidence-based public health programs.

Dr. Cherie Grace G. Quingking provided important insights on the Philippine Toxicology Network (PhilTox), highlighting its role in enhancing toxicology services and strengthening nationwide collaboration in managing poisoning cases and chemical-related incidents.

Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in plenary discussions covering key EOH priorities, including road safety, environmental surveillance, and updates on draft guidelines for Rapid Environmental and Health Assessments. These sessions served as platforms for sharing best practices and aligning programmatic goals.

A notable highlight was the site visit to the CHD–SOCCSKSARGEN Drinking Water Laboratory, where participants observed firsthand the operations and procedures involved in water quality monitoring—emphasizing the importance of access to safe and potable water as a core public health service.

The workshop concluded with strengthened regional collaboration, renewed focus on priority areas, and a shared commitment to building healthier, safer communities. With the active participation of Dr. Quingking and Dr. Balquin, CLMMRH remains at the forefront of environmental and occupational health in the region.