Baguio intensifies water safety monitoring to prevent diarrhea outbreak

By Michelle Ducut

Mayor Benjamin Magalong has directed intensified monitoring of water sources and food handling practices in the city to prevent a recurrence of the diarrhea outbreak that affected over 2,000 individuals during the 2023 holiday season.

The city government has ramped up disease prevention measures as tourism activities surge during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Magalong emphasized the need for vigilance, particularly as businesses work to meet the increased demand for food and water during the holidays.

“With the influx of people, the demand for food and water increases. As companies scramble to meet the demand, some may overlook safety practices. We must ensure they fulfill their safety obligations to avoid another surge in diarrhea cases,” Magalong said.

The city has taken steps to address issues that contributed to the previous outbreak, which was traced to contaminated water sources not supplied by the Baguio Water District. Following the incident, the city revised its water code ordinance, requiring all deep well operators to secure permits and mandating tanker and drinking water delivery clients to report their water sources.

City Health Services Office Chief Information Officer Aileen Refuerzo said the Environmental and Sanitation Division is conducting thorough inspections of drinking water sources and food establishments. These inspections are being carried out in coordination with the Permits and Licensing Division and the Public Order and Safety Division of the City Mayor’s Office.

The Baguio City Police Office has also joined the effort by checking compliance with sanitary and business permits, as well as health and work permits for food handlers.

The city government aims to maintain strict safety standards to protect public health during the holiday season and beyond.

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