Zamboanga City Health Office-Health Education and Promotion Unit

15/03/2026

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.

12/03/2026

10/03/2026

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.

10/03/2026

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.

04/03/2026

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!

27/02/2026

26/02/2026

Ano ang dapat malaman tungkol sa Nipah virus infection? 🦠

Alamin ang mga sintomas, paano ito naipapasa, at paano makakaiwas.
Ang tamang kaalaman ay unang depensa laban sa sakit.

26/02/2026

Hindi lang kapag may outbreak kumikilos. 🚨
Ang Department of Health – Bureau of Quarantine ay tuloy-tuloy ang border surveillance at screening sa mga paliparan at pantalan — para sigurado, protektado ang bayan anumang oras.

24/02/2026

📢 NIPAH VIRUS: MAGING ALERTO, MANATILING LIGTAS

🦠Ano ang Nipah Virus?

Ang Nipah virus (NiV) ay isang sakit na zoonotic na dala ng mga fruit bat. Maaari itong kumalat sa mga hayop at tao – mula hayop patungong tao sa pamamagitan ng direktang paghawak o pagkain ng kontaminadong pagkain, at mula tao patungong tao sa pamamagitan ng malapit na pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga likido mula sa katawan ng mga taong nahawaan. Bagama't seryoso, maiiwasan ito.

🔎Kasalukuyang Sitwasyon sa Pilipinas
Wala pang aktibong kaso ng Nipah virus sa Pilipinas. Ang Kagawaran ng Kalusugan (DOH) at Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) ay maingat na nagmamanman sa pamamagitan ng border screening, thermal scanning, at pagsubaybay sa mga paliparan at daungan kahit na bukas pa ang mga hangganan ng bansa.

🛡️Paano Maiwasan:

• Laging hugasan ang mga kamay gamit ang malinis na tubig at sabon

• Panatilihing malinis ang inyong kapaligiran, lalo na kapag nakikipag-ugnayan sa mga hayop

• Itapon ang mga prutas o pagkain na may palatandaan ng kontaminasyon mula sa mga hayop

• Agad na kumunsulta sa doktor kung makaramdam ng anumang sintomas

Ang ating kahandaan at tamang impormasyon ang ating panlaban. Patuloy tayong maging mapagmatyag, responsable, at makiisa sa mga programang pangkalusugan ng lungsod.

21/02/2026

16/02/2026

‼️DOH: WALANG BATANG DAPAT MAIWAN NA HINDI BAKUNADO‼️

Sa panglimang linggo ng DOH Ligtas Tigdas vaccination, 2,299,034 na batang edad 6 - 59 buwan o wala pang 5 taon sa buong Mindanao at BARMM ang protektado na laban sa tigdas at tigdas hangin.

Ang DOH Ligtas Tigdas vaccination ay extended hanggang February 20, 2026! Kaya naman pabakunahan na ang inyong mga anak.

12/02/2026