LUNA RURAL Health Unit

22/08/2025

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒| Barangay Luyon records highest malnutrition rate in Luna

Luna, Apayao-The Barangay of Luyon recorded the highest malnutrition rate in the Municipality of Luna as of August 2025, the RHU Luna reported on Friday, August 22.

RHU data showed that ten (10) out of the twenty-three (23) barangays in Luna recorded high rates of malnutrition among children aged 0 to 59 months old. Of the 10, Barangay Luyon logged the highest malnutrition rate, with 20.83% of children in said group affected.

Based on the same data, other barangays with significant malnutrition rates include Salvacion (8.82%), Turod (7.14%), Shalom(6.52%), San Isidro Sur(5.15%), Cagandungan(4.41%), Marag(4.35%), San Francisco(4.00%), Dagupan( 3.93%), and Capagaypayan (2.78%).

According to Rural Health Unit (RHU)- Luna staff, France Tamaken, they have been implementing crucial and several interventions to combat the problem through supplementary feeding, monthly weight monitoring, and provision of seeds for backyard gardening.

Nevertheless, there is a need to keep urging families to practice healthy lifestyle and healthy food consumption.

RHU-Luna said additional work and activities shall be implemented to address the underlying causes of malnutrition in the identified areas.

LPIO| Krizza Joy Castillo
08/22/2025

16/08/2025

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒| New case of LEPTOSPIROSIS detected in Luna - RHU warns residents
Luna, Apayao - The Rural Health Unit (RHU) warns all residents of the danger of leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by the urine of infected animals especially rodents, as cases may escalate during this rainy season.
From January to August 5, 2025, the number of individuals in the municipality affected by Leptospirosis reached 14 cases, including a new suspected case.
The RHU, led by Dra. Jonah Grace Verzola recently logged 1 suspected case of leptospirosis in Barangay San Gregorio.
The case was a student.
According to the report, in July 19 and 20, the patient was going to the rice field with a previous wound on his foot. Four days after, on July 24, he started to have fever and experienced dizziness and headache.
Due to the continued symptoms, he consulted the RHU and was later admitted at the FNLGHTC on July 30 due to vomiting, severe dizziness, leg pain, chills, and yellowish coloration of the skin.
After medication and relative treatment had been provided, the patient was discharged from the hospital on August 3.
According to the Municipal Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (MESU) in charge, Nurse II Jeiel Ross Erice, there was not yet a confirmatory result of the test to establish the case was indeed Leptospirosis. Nevertheless, the symptoms are akin to leptospirosis infection.
In 2022, one confirmed case of the disease killed an individual, and thus the RHU is advising the public to avoid waddling in flood waters or going to fields with open wounds.
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease which killed a number of individuals around the country. It is considered as zoonotic- meaning it can be transmitted between animals and humans. The bacteria can be found in contaminated water and soil and can survive in weeks to months.
LPIO| Jomela Dela Torre
08/11/2025

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒| New case of LEPTOSPIROSIS detected in Luna - RHU warns residents

Luna, Apayao - The Rural Health Unit (RHU) warns all residents of the danger of leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by the urine of infected animals especially rodents, as cases may escalate during this rainy season.

From January to August 5, 2025, the number of individuals in the municipality affected by Leptospirosis reached 14 cases, including a new suspected case.

The RHU, led by Dra. Jonah Grace Verzola recently logged 1 suspected case of leptospirosis in Barangay San Gregorio.
The case was a student.

According to the report, in July 19 and 20, the patient was going to the rice field with a previous wound on his foot. Four days after, on July 24, he started to have fever and experienced dizziness and headache.

Due to the continued symptoms, he consulted the RHU and was later admitted at the FNLGHTC on July 30 due to vomiting, severe dizziness, leg pain, chills, and yellowish coloration of the skin.

After medication and relative treatment had been provided, the patient was discharged from the hospital on August 3.

According to the Municipal Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (MESU) in charge, Nurse II Jeiel Ross Erice, there was not yet a confirmatory result of the test to establish the case was indeed Leptospirosis. Nevertheless, the symptoms are akin to leptospirosis infection.

In 2022, one confirmed case of the disease killed an individual, and thus the RHU is advising the public to avoid waddling in flood waters or going to fields with open wounds.

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease which killed a number of individuals around the country. It is considered as zoonotic- meaning it can be transmitted between animals and humans. The bacteria can be found in contaminated water and soil and can survive in weeks to months.

LPIO| Jomela Dela Torre
08/11/2025

16/08/2025

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒| Dengue cases in Luna, Apayao down 76.78 % in July 2025 -RHU
Luna, Apayao - The Rural Health Unit (RHU)-Luna recently announced a significant decrease in dengue cases.
RHU-Luna said as of July 2025 the town recorded only 13 cases of dengue from January this year - a remarkable 76.78% reduction compared to the 56 cases reported in July 2024.
Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes that may cause high fever, body aches, and other symptoms in humans, which can lead to death in severe cases.
"Bimmaba ti dengue case tayo idi July ngem haan tayo agpakampante iti banta ti dengue," RHU said.
While the July figures are encouraging, RHU also reported a total of 116 cases of dengue from January-August 7, 2025, which the RHU said still a big number. This means there is a need of continued vigilance and preventive measures throughout the year.
OTHER HEALTH UPDATES
On other health updates, RHU-Luna reported 4 cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) last week. The cases were distributed across the municipality with two (2) in Barangay Zumigui and one (1) each in Barangay Poblacion and Lappa.
Adding to the health concerns, a single case of acute bloody diarrhea was recorded in Barangay Shalom.
The RHU-Luna urges residents to maintain cleanliness and sanitation in their surroundings to prevent the spread of these diseases. They are also encouraging anyone experiencing symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.
LPIO| Krizza Joy Castillo
08/12/2025

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒| Dengue cases in Luna, Apayao down 76.78 % in July 2025 -RHU

Luna, Apayao - The Rural Health Unit (RHU)-Luna recently announced a significant decrease in dengue cases.

RHU-Luna said as of July 2025 the town recorded only 13 cases of dengue from January this year - a remarkable 76.78% reduction compared to the 56 cases reported in July 2024.

Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes that may cause high fever, body aches, and other symptoms in humans, which can lead to death in severe cases.

"Bimmaba ti dengue case tayo idi July ngem haan tayo agpakampante iti banta ti dengue," RHU said.

While the July figures are encouraging, RHU also reported a total of 116 cases of dengue from January-August 7, 2025, which the RHU said still a big number. This means there is a need of continued vigilance and preventive measures throughout the year.

OTHER HEALTH UPDATES

On other health updates, RHU-Luna reported 4 cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) last week. The cases were distributed across the municipality with two (2) in Barangay Zumigui and one (1) each in Barangay Poblacion and Lappa.

Adding to the health concerns, a single case of acute bloody diarrhea was recorded in Barangay Shalom.

The RHU-Luna urges residents to maintain cleanliness and sanitation in their surroundings to prevent the spread of these diseases. They are also encouraging anyone experiencing symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.

LPIO| Krizza Joy Castillo
08/12/2025

16/08/2025

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒| 51% of 57 deaths in town in July 2025 due to non-communicable diseases - Luna RHU
Luna, Apayao - The Rural Health Unit (RHU) on Monday, August 11, reported that as of July 2025, 29 (51%) of 57 recorded deaths in town were due to non-communicable diseases.
Data of the health unit showed that the youngest of the cases were in the ages 30-34. The development of said diseases, according to the RHU, are usually influenced by three identified risk factors: behavioral (physical inactivity, alcohol, use of to***co, unhealthy diets); metabolic (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity); and environmental (pollution exposure, stress, occupational hazards).
In 2024, the RHU found that pneumonia was the top cause of death in Luna, logging 19 cases. The youngest affected with the disease were in the age range of 40-44. This was followed by Hypertension with 14 cases. Cancer meantime accounted for 11 cases with the youngest of them between 35-39 years old. Diabetes Mellitus, type 2 killed 11 individuals. Youngest affected were aged 60-64. Further, there were 4 death cases due to non-communicable diseases, among 70 years old and up.
Relative to this data, the Rural health unit reiterated the importance of safeguarding one’s health, underscoring its impact on longevity and resilience.
Under the administration of Mayor Januario S. Garde, health personnel have been urged to upgrade healthcare services, improve accessibility to health facilities, and intensify info-drives for the overall well-being of the population.
LPIO| Jomela Dela Torre
08/12/2025

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒| 51% of 57 deaths in town in July 2025 due to non-communicable diseases - Luna RHU

Luna, Apayao - The Rural Health Unit (RHU) on Monday, August 11, reported that as of July 2025, 29 (51%) of 57 recorded deaths in town were due to non-communicable diseases.

Data of the health unit showed that the youngest of the cases were in the ages 30-34. The development of said diseases, according to the RHU, are usually influenced by three identified risk factors: behavioral (physical inactivity, alcohol, use of to***co, unhealthy diets); metabolic (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity); and environmental (pollution exposure, stress, occupational hazards).

In 2024, the RHU found that pneumonia was the top cause of death in Luna, logging 19 cases. The youngest affected with the disease were in the age range of 40-44. This was followed by Hypertension with 14 cases. Cancer meantime accounted for 11 cases with the youngest of them between 35-39 years old. Diabetes Mellitus, type 2 killed 11 individuals. Youngest affected were aged 60-64. Further, there were 4 death cases due to non-communicable diseases, among 70 years old and up.

Relative to this data, the Rural health unit reiterated the importance of safeguarding one’s health, underscoring its impact on longevity and resilience.

Under the administration of Mayor Januario S. Garde, health personnel have been urged to upgrade healthcare services, improve accessibility to health facilities, and intensify info-drives for the overall well-being of the population.

LPIO| Jomela Dela Torre
08/12/2025

09/08/2025

Kung ikaw ay may anak na Grade 1, Grade 4 (Babae) at Grade 7.
Siguruhing protektado ang inyong mga anak.

Ipabakuna sila sa nalalapit na School-Based Immunization!

09/08/2025

Every Wednesday is Buntis Day at Luna RHU! We're dedicated to supporting all pregnant women in Luna with free check-ups and essential laboratory tests.

Take advantage of this opportunity for a healthy and safe pregnancy journey.

09/08/2025

MGA KASO NG LEPTOSPIROSIS AT DENGUE, MAHIGPIT NA BINABANTAYAN NG DOH

Umabot sa 2,396 na kaso ng leptospirosis ang naitala ng Department of Health mula June 8 o isang linggo matapos ideklara ng PAGASA ang tag-ulan, hanggang August 7, 2025.

Kaugnay nito, naka alerto ang mga DOH Hospitals sa bansa at nagbukas na ang ilan ng mga leptospirosis fast lanes para mabilis na matignan ang mga pasyenteng dudulog ng konsultasyon.

Handa naman ang ahensya sa inaasahang pagtaas sa kaso ng leptospirosis matapos ang sunod sunod na pagbaha mula July 21 dulot ng habagat, bagyong Crising, Dante, at Emong.

Binabantayan din ng ahensya ang mga kaso ng dengue na umabot na sa 8,171 na kaso mula July 6 hanggang July 19.

Mas mababa ito ng 33% kumpara sa naitalang kaso sa huling linggo ng Hunyo—June 22 hanggang July 5, na nasa 12,166 na kaso.

Payo naman ng DOH, ‘wag maging kampante sa banta ng dengue—maaraw man o maulan.

Matatandaang sinabi ng ahensya Pebrero nitong taon na maaaring tumaas ang kaso ng dengue ngayong tag-ulan pero ano mang panahon ay pwedeng mangitlog ang lamok at makapagkalat ng sakit.

Paalala pa rin ng DOH na ugaliing isagawa ang 4Ts–taob, taktak, tuyo, at takip tuwing alas kwatro ng hapon para mapuksa ang mga pinamamahayan ng lamok lalo ngayong natapos ang ulan at maaaring may mga naipong tubig na pamamahayan ng lamok.

09/08/2025

𝐒𝐍𝐀𝐏𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐒| One productive way to celebrate the National Nutrition Month was the conduct of three major activities spearheaded by Luna RHU under Dra. Jonah Grace Verzola. Together with the barangay officials, health workers, and community members, these activities were successfully implemented. They comprised Municipal-Wide Malunggay Planting, Intensive IEC in Day Care Centers, and Distribution of Seeds to households with malnourished children. The collaborative efforts under the Municipal Government of Luna centered on providing residents healthy and available sources of daily sustenance.

09/08/2025

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒| Luna culminates 2025 Nutrition Month with Focus on Food Security and Rights

LUNA, APAYAO – On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, the Municipality of Luna culminated the celebration of the National Nutrition Month, focusing on combating food insecurity and empowering its citizens.

This year's nutrition theme, "Food and Nutrition Security, Maging Priority! Sapat na Pagkain, Karapatan Natin!", underscores the local government's proactive approach to ensuring every household has access to healthy and adequate sustenance.

The event, led by our Municipal Health Officer, Dra. Jonah Grace P. Verzola and participated in by Barangay officials, health workers, and community members, highlighted Luna's commitment to transforming nutrition from an abstract concept into a tangible reality for its residents.

''Food and Nutrition Security, Maging Priority! Sapat na Pagkain, Karapatan Natin!" is not just a slogan; it's a declaration of our collective responsibility and a recognition to fundamental right to nutritious food of every resident of Luna, ''Dra.Verzola said.

During the celebration, Luna has held three major interlinked activities:

1.Municipal-Wide Malunggay Planting: A cornerstone initiative is the extensive planting of Malunggay across all barangays. By saturating the municipality with this "miracle tree," Luna aims to provide every household with an accessible and sustainable source of nutrition, directly bolstering their food and nutrition security. This community-wide effort transforms green spaces into vital food sources.

2.Intensive IEC in Day Care Centers: Nurturing-a comprehensive Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign has been done at Day Care Centers. Through these sessions, children and their guardians were provided knowledge on making healthy food choices and understanding the importance of proper diet.

3.Distribution of Seeds: Complementing the Malunggay initiative, the local government distributed various vegetable seeds to households of malnourished children provided by the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist. This program encourages backyard gardening, empowering families to grow their own fresh produce.

The 2025 Nutrition Month in Luna, Apayao, was poised as a transformative period, cementing proactive measures that will contribute significantly to the health and well-being of its citizens for years to come.

LPIO|Devi Marie Agustin
07/31/25

09/08/2025

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐅| Luna RHU is Top-performing KonSulta Package providers in Apayao, ranks first in reimbursement in first sem of 2025

Luna, Apayao - The Rural Health Unit (RHU) led by Dr. Jonah Grace Verzola was lauded for being the top-performing KonSulta package provider in Apayao during the first semester of 2025 for First Patient Encounters (FPEs).

Through this, the unit received a reimbursement of P1,441,600.00 from Phil-health. They said 7.12 percent of the population of Luna was reached by the program. In 2024, the RHU also successfully secured P1,948,880.00 reimbursements with 21.53 percent coverage of the total population.

According to one of the RHU staff, said amount follows a 60-40 percent sharing scheme intended for diverse healthcare logistics, facilities, medicine and personnel. To continuously deliver KonSulta services to residents, the RHU was invited by PhilHealth Apayao as their primary partner during the series of marketing and promotional activities lined up for September and for the remaining months of 2025. The town of Luna has a total population of 20,798 according to 2022 Census.

LPIO| Jomela Dela Torre
07/30/25

22/03/2025

LUNA||
MARCH IS RABIES AWARENESS MONTH

Rabies Awareness Campaign organized by the Luna Rural Health Unit in partnership with the Luna Municipal Agriculture Office was conducted simultaneously in Barangays Sta Lina and Dagupan.

The activity aims to educate the public on rabies transmission, symptoms, and preventive measures. Responsible Pet Ownership and the “Anti-Rabies Act of 2007” AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE CONTROL AND ELIMINATION OF HUMAN AND ANIMAL RABIES,
PRESCRIBING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION THEREOF AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, were highlighted during this activity.

After the Lectures: FREE Vaccination of Pets was done as Kick-Off for the Annual Pet Vaccination of the Municipal Agriculture Office.

To maximize the Health Education and Promotion Activity,
other topics were also discussed.

- Anti Rabies Vaccination (Human)
- Maternal Care Services (VIA, Cervical Cancer and Breast Self Examination, Family Planning)
- Rational Use of Medicine and AMR
- Road Safety
- Dengue Prevention (Oplan Taub)
- Immunization Programs (Pneumo23,HPV,Others)
- Tuberculosis

22/03/2025

Luna RURAL HEALTH UNIT
March 18-19, 2025

The Luna Rural Health Unit has successfully collected a total of 147 Blood units last March 18 and 19, 2025.

The Blood Letting Activity organized by Luna Rural Health Unit was in partnership with the Provincial Health Office and Far North Luzon General Hospital and Training Center. This has been a yearly activity of the RHU to help in ensuring sufficient blood supply for those patients in need.

As support from the Barangays, the Barangay Patrols and Kurong-Kurong were utilized as transport vehicles of our blood donors.

As part of the activity, since March is also women's month, topics on Maternal Health Services (Prenatal and Post Partum Care, Cervical Cancer Screening thru VIA and Family Planning, etc.) were also discussed while donors wait in line.