The Department of Health Bicol Center for Health Development (DOH Bicol CHD), through its Health Promotion Unit and in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Pasacao and various stakeholders, celebrated the Drowning Prevention Month at the Blue Covered Court, Signature Park, Pasacao, Camarines Sur on March 27, 2026.
With the theme, “Do your Part, B Water Smart!”, Pasacaoeños were taught safety tips in order to prevent drowning incidents through the 5Bs: Bantay (bantayan palagi ang mga batang lumalangoy); Bida Salbabida (gumamit ng life vest o tamang floatation device); Bawal ang Alak (‘wag uminom ng alak kapag lalangoy); Barrier (takpan ang drum at balon, maglagay ng harang kung nakatira malapit sa anyong tubig); Bystander Intervention (unahin ang sarilimg kaligtasan, huwag lumusong – mag-abot o maghagis ng panligtas at humingi ng tulong).
Barangay captains, Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officers, Municipal Planning and Development Officers, resort owners, and Development Management Officers engaged in talks addressing the burden of drowning, as well as flooding hazards to create layers of protection that restrict access to water hazards. These aimed to create community-based actions towards a unified approach to strengthen prevention measures, create drowning prevention-specific ordinances, and capacitate bystanders on safe rescue and resuscitation.
Various booths displayed the Water Search and Rescue demonstration, Basic Life Support – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation training, ambulance unit with an Emergency Medical Technician, and Rescue Equipment Capability Display.
The Rural Health Unit of Pasacao offered holistic health services ranging from routine immunization for children, HIV screening, mental health, and many more in their program entitled “Hataw Kalusugan Health Caravan”.
Present were Hon. Niño A. Tayco, Pasacao Municipal Mayor, Dr. Rey J. Millena, Medical Specialist IV, Camarines Sur Provincial DOH Office, Dr. Ara Dela Rosa-Barcinas, Municipal Health Officer, Rural Health Unit of Pasacao, Dr. Paulo Jason M. Garcia, Medical Officer IV, Bicol Medical Center – Lung Care Center, Dr. Monrey Isaiah C. Mancilla, Medical Officer IV, Health Promotion Unit, DOH Bicol CHD, SN2 Zandro D Rodrigo, Philippine Coast Guard District Bicol, and Mark Anthony M. Vista, Safety Service Instructor, Philippine Red Cross.
Also expressing their support were partners from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, and Department of Education through Pasacao Central School.
Partners and participants pledged their commitment to the intensified promotion and implementation of drowning prevention programs for a safer and healthier Pasacao.
The DOH Bicol CHD encourages the public to follow the 5Bs in drowning prevention for a safe, injure-free, and healthy community. Source: DOH CHD BICOL REGION V