25/03/2026
MOH BARMM Leads Drowning Prevention Drive in Maguindanao, Empowering Bangsamoro Families Toward Flood Safety
The Ministry of Health (MOH) BARMM, through its Health Promotion Unit, in collaboration with the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) Maguindanao, successfully conducted a Health Advocacy on Drowning Prevention and Awareness with the theme โLigtas sa Tubig, Ligtas ang Pamilyang Bangsamoro,โ which was held on March 23, 2026, at the covered court of Bagumbayan, Municipality of Mother Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte.
In observance of Drowning Prevention Month in the Philippines, this community-based initiative aims to address the high risk of water-related accidents in BARMMโs coastal and riverside communities. The program supports the Department of Healthโs Healthy Habit Priority Area 7: โDo No Harm, Put Safety First.โ Recognizing that drowning is a silent yet preventable threat, the activity promotes a shift from reactive response to proactive prevention.
Dr. Ron Andrie V. Demegillo, Municipal Health Officer, led the interactive workshop and emphasized the Five Bโs of Drowning Prevention and Life-Saving Tips:
1. Bantay โ Bantayan palagi ang mga batang lumalangoy,
2. Bida Salbabida โ Gumamit ng life vest o tamang floatation device,
3. Barrier - Takpan and drum at balon. Maglagay ng harang kung nakatira malapit sa anyong tubig,
4. Bystander Intervention - Unahin ang sariling kaligtasan. Huwag lumusong, mag-abot o maghagis ng panligtas at humingi ng tulong,
5. Bawal ang Alak - โwag uminom ng alak kapag lalangoy.
As Dr. Demegillo emphasized โBase sa statistics natin, ang kadalasang namamatay sa pagkalunod ay mga edad 14 pababa dahil sila ang sabik maligo at hindi pa marunong lumangoy. Bilang nakatatanda, tungkulin nating bantayan sila dahil sila ang pinaka-nanganganib.โ
Meanwhile, Sheikh Talal A. Sabpa from the Bangsamoro Darul Iftaโ discussed the Islamic perspective on Healthy Habit Priority Area No. 7, highlighting the importance of preventing harm, avoiding injury, and preserving life as a fundamental value.
The program was a collaborative effort supported by several partner agencies, including the Bureau of Fire Protection, which provided Basic Life Support training; the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Kabuntalan; barangay local government units (BLGUs); and other community partners.
The initiative aims to raise awareness of drowning risks, boost supervision and rescue skills, and empower families and leaders to implement safety measures. By helping communities identify hazards and prioritize safety, the program protects vulnerable Bangsamoro members and builds a sustainable safety culture.
