AGP Executive Report

DOH Leadership Shift: Jose “Brix” Pujalte Jr. was named the new Department of Health secretary after Teodoro Herbosa’s resignation, as health workers urge the incoming chief to tackle long-unresolved healthcare woes. Cancer Access Boost: The First Lady inaugurated PGH’s first Charity Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, a four-bed facility meant to expand local treatment options for children with blood cancers. Public Health Alerts: Samar is monitoring 225 suspected chikungunya cases with intensified mosquito control and lab testing, while Imus City, Cavite logged 259 dengue cases and is stepping up anti-mosquito efforts. Food Safety Crackdown: CIDG seized P1.7M in alleged adulterated, unlabeled cooking oil in Cebu, arresting 13 suspects with FDA-linked violations. Animal Health & ASF: DA-7 clarified the African Swine Fever vaccine remains under controlled rollout and is not yet for commercial sale, even as biosecurity training and disinfectants are being pushed for hog raisers. School Safety & Mental Health: DepEd’s planned “active shooter” drills drew warnings from a psychologist that unsafe simulations can retraumatize vulnerable students; separately, teachers’ groups flagged gaps after a Cavite Grade 4 pupil’s death linked to septic shock following deworming. Community Support: Cebu’s Walang Gutom Kitchen expanded to serve free breakfast starting July 11, adding morning meals for people facing involuntary hunger. Health System Watch: Cebu City Medical Center faced another setback after inspectors found substandard construction in earlier phases, raising the risk of delays and extra corrective costs. Justice & Health in Custody: Sen. Rodante Marcoleta was ordered transferred to Quezon City jail after PGH and PNPGH cleared him as fit to travel, ending his hospital confinement.

DOH Leadership Change: Dr. Jose “Brix” Pujalte Jr. took over as the new Health secretary, vowing continuous delivery of quality healthcare and stronger support for health workers—while unions urged him to immediately release delayed COVID-19 Health Emergency Allowances and fund a grievance board to settle pending claims. Health System Safety: A Grade 4 pupil in Cavite died after a school “routine deworming” that led to septic shock, prompting teachers’ groups to call it a sign of deeper public school health staffing and safety gaps. Disease Watch: Samar health authorities are monitoring a suspected chikungunya surge with 225 cases across three towns, sending blood samples to RITM for confirmation and stepping up mosquito control. Maternal Care Boost: Eastern Visayas LGUs welcomed a P100M South Korea-backed maternal, newborn, and child health program (until 2030) aimed at cutting maternal and infant deaths in remote communities. Court-Ordered Medical Checks: Sen. Rodante Marcoleta’s plunder case hearing on July 15 is set after separate medical exams at UP-PGH and PGH, with PNP saying he remains stable while the Sandiganbayan decides on confinement.

DOH Leadership Shake-up: Dr. Jose “Brix” Pujalte Jr. was sworn in as the new Health Secretary as health workers and groups urged him to clear delayed COVID-19 Health Emergency Allowances and fix staffing, wages, and working conditions left by outgoing Sec. Teodoro Herbosa. School Health Safety: A Grade 4 pupil in Cavite died after a deworming activity, with initial DepEd findings pointing to infection leading to septic shock; teachers’ groups say the tragedy highlights gaps in school health staffing and safety protocols. Court-Mandated Medical Checks: Detained Sen. Rodante Marcoleta underwent an independent medical exam at UP-PGH to determine if he can be moved from the PNP hospital for his plunder case; PNP says he’s stable and fit to stand trial. Public Health & Water Risks: Nueva Ecija Gov. Umali urged DENR to investigate septage waste disposal, warning weak enforcement of the Clean Water Act could contaminate groundwater and raise health risks. Maternal Care Expansion: Eastern Visayas LGUs welcomed a KOICA-funded P100M maternal, newborn and child health program running until 2030 to help cut maternal and infant deaths. Health Tech in Education: DepEd issued AI guidelines for basic education, requiring approved tools and privacy checks before AI reaches students.

DOH Leadership Shake-up: President Marcos appointed orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jose Brittanio “Brix” Pujalte Jr. as the new Health Secretary, replacing Teodoro Herbosa, who resigned for health reasons after knee replacement rehab; lawmakers and health workers say Pujalte’s track record could help restore public confidence and keep government specialty hospitals public. School Health Safety: DepEd reported a Grade 4 student in Cavite died after a routine deworming activity, with initial findings pointing to infection leading to septic shock; parents have asked the NBI for an investigation and an autopsy, while DepEd said it will review health and safety protocols. TB Awareness: A DOH TB specialist warned many Filipinos still treat tuberculosis like an ordinary cough, delaying care even though TB is preventable and curable; she urged medical consultation for coughs lasting over two weeks and other warning signs. Disaster Health & Response: Flooding from Typhoon Inday and the southwest monsoon affected hundreds of thousands in BARMM, with deaths and ongoing evacuation needs, underscoring the strain on local health and emergency services. Healthcare Fraud Risks: A report highlighted sophisticated Medicare/health scams using stolen data and AI voice bots, raising concerns about how vulnerable seniors and patients can be to fraud.

DOH Leadership Shake-up: Dr. Jose “Brix” Pujalte Jr. was appointed the new Health secretary, replacing Teodoro Herbosa, who resigned for health reasons after knee replacement surgery and rehabilitation needs. School Health Safety: DepEd said a Grade 4 student in Cavite died after a routine deworming activity, with initial findings pointing to an infection leading to septic shock; the incident is also reigniting calls to address school health personnel gaps. Public Health in the Provinces: Pampanga’s Minalin residents received free influenza vaccines under a DOH-linked program, prioritizing seniors and uniformed personnel. Preventing Household Poisoning: EcoWaste Coalition urged the FDA to require child-resistant packaging for bleach and other corrosive cleaning chemicals to reduce poisoning risks. Tech for Health & Response: DOST launched a Central Visayas drone plan aimed at boosting disaster response and other public services. Water Safety Watch: Baguio warned water-related businesses they could face closure if they fail two consecutive water quality tests. Health Policy & Care Access: A teachers’ group said teachers often end up running deworming because of shortages of nurses and other school health staff. Health Under Scrutiny: Palace said Sen. Rodante Marcoleta’s health should be monitored while he faces plunder charges; PNP doctors later said he was fit to travel after pneumonia treatment.

School Safety & Violence: After the Tacloban school shooting, DepEd reported 12 school-violence incidents in two weeks, including bomb threats, stabbing, riots, and firearms—raising fears of copycat attacks and renewed calls for accountability and stronger prevention. Water Safety: Baguio City will shut down purified water refilling stations and commercial deep wells that fail water quality tests for a second time starting July 20, with regular inspections and testing to protect against waterborne disease. Disaster Health & Response: Typhoon Inday and habagat floods in Maguindanao del Sur have affected 62,000 families (309,707 people) across 159 barangays, damaging schools and facilities; meanwhile, rough seas delayed a vessel in Leyte, delaying medical access for a mother and newborn but both were stable. Access to Care: PGH opened a charity ward for bone marrow transplants with three free beds, aiming to start services within the year. Public Health Leadership: DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa is on sick leave after knee replacement surgery; an OIC has been designated during recovery. Health System Watch: COA flagged Cebu City Medical Center delays and deficiencies, citing ₱1.13B spent despite major engineering and documentation issues. Health Policy & Markets: Ayala Healthcare’s AC Health said it plans 3–5 clinic openings annually and is targeting at least one hospital acquisition this year. TB & Testing Push: A TB advocacy piece stresses the need for truly effective initial TB tests to prevent missed active cases and ongoing spread.

Bone Marrow Access: PGH and IWTS launched the country’s first charity bone marrow transplant unit, adding three free beds to help patients who previously faced P2M–P5M costs. Public Health Policy: The Philippine Nutrient Profile Model is set to limit “nutrients of concern” like fat, sugar, sodium, and non-sugar sweeteners in prepackaged foods once approved. Infectious Disease Alerts: Cebu City temporarily banned entry of live hogs, pork, and swine by-products from ASF-affected areas to protect its ₱20B hog industry. Climate & Health: DOST-PAGASA warned El Niño may strengthen soon, stressing early preparation for water shortages that can affect health and other sectors. Disaster Response: PCG conducted an urgent Medevac for a 12-year-old ferry passenger in Zamboanga after oxygen deprivation. Care for Skin: Dermatologists marked World Skin Health Day with a free mission in Guimba, Nueva Ecija, serving 187 patients and training local health workers. Health Leadership: DOH said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa is on sick leave after knee replacement surgery, with an OIC in place. Court-Linked Medical Needs: Sandiganbayan proceedings for Sen. Rodante Marcoleta hinge on medical status after mild pneumonia, with daily reports ordered.

Bone Marrow Breakthrough: First lady Liza Araneta-Marcos opened the Philippines’ first Charity Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at PGH, aiming to give free, high-quality pediatric cancer care. HIV Treatment Supply: DOH said 455,188 anti-retroviral bottles arrived, with distribution starting next week and more tranches due in August and September. Dengue Safety Alerts: Manila health centers will offer free doxycycline for flood-waders at risk of leptospirosis, while the FDA warned the public against counterfeit Qdenga dengue vaccine. Public Health Guidance: CBCP issued a pastoral exhortation on mental health, urging compassion and stronger community support. Healthcare Under Scrutiny: Sen. Panfilo Lacson questioned hospital confinement of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta and Manuel Bonoan, while Sandiganbayan proceedings continue. Medical Leadership Update: Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa is on sick leave after knee replacement surgery; a DOH OIC was designated. Local Emergency Response: PCG reported 14 rescued after a motorbanca disabled in Iloilo seas amid rough weather. Research Recognition: Filipino aquaculture scientist Janice Ragaza landed leadership roles in two major international journals.

HIV Treatment Supply: The DOH says 455,188 bottles of Lamivudine+Tenofovir+Dolutegravir (LTD) have arrived and will be distributed nationwide next week after inspection, as part of a larger 1.2 million-bottle procurement. Health Leadership Update: DOH spokesperson confirms Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa is on sick leave after knee replacement surgery and is undergoing rehab, with an OIC handling operations. Mental Health Support: The CBCP released a pastoral exhortation urging Catholics and communities to respond to mental health struggles with compassion, accompaniment, and stronger support systems, especially amid suicide concerns. COVID-19 Caution for Kids: Pediatric infectious disease experts urge parents to stay vigilant as COVID-19 cases rise, noting illness is usually mild but recommending masks in crowded/poorly ventilated indoor spaces. Family Planning in BARMM: UNICEF and the BARMM health ministry opened a Women and Children Protection Unit in Wao, Lanao del Sur, offering medical, psychosocial, and free legal support for victims of violence and abuse. Disaster & Public Safety: After Kanlaon’s ashfall, Phivolcs advises residents to sweep and collect ash instead of hosing it down to avoid clogged drainage and health risks. Local Health & Community: A QC PWD was stabbed 21 times by a drinking buddy, highlighting the need for safer drinking practices and conflict prevention. Health in the Courts: Sen. Marcoleta’s pneumonia and hospital confinement remain in focus as court questions visits and his health status.

COVID-19 Watch: The Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines urged parents to stay vigilant as COVID-19 cases rise, stressing there’s “no need to panic” because recent strains appear less severe; it also warned many cases may be underreported due to reduced testing. TB Control: A DOH official said the Philippines is making progress in tuberculosis detection, including faster AI-assisted screening, but may need more local investment to keep programs sustainable. Family Planning Access: Project LAYA rolled out competency-based clinical skills training in CALABARZON to expand voluntary, rights-based long-acting family planning services. Dengue Prevention: Hawai‘i’s DOH reported a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu and reminded the public to cut mosquito breeding by removing standing water. Disaster Readiness: Iloilo City stayed on Blue Alert as Habagat, enhanced by Typhoon Inday (Bavi), could bring moderate to heavy rains and possible flooding. Health in the Courts: Sen. Rodante Marcoleta was declared fit to travel by a PNP doctor, but Sandiganbayan ordered an independent UP-PGH medical exam to assess whether continued confinement at PNPGH is still necessary. Animal Health: Cebu returned 42 hogs intercepted from Negros Oriental amid an African swine fever (ASF) watch and a temporary ban on hogs and pork products. Community CPR Training: Bell-Kenz Pharma launched its Sagip CPR campaign with Quezon City, training residents in hands-only CPR and AED use. Nutrition Month Theme: “No nature, no food” was highlighted as this year’s Nutrition Month subtheme, linking environment and food security.

Nutrition Month: Cebu’s Nutrition Month launch pushes the theme “Nutrisyon at Kalikasan,” stressing that protecting nature is key to keeping nutritious food available. Bird flu watch: The Philippines reported an H5N1 outbreak among backyard birds in Oriental Mindoro; WOAH says affected birds were culled and authorities are investigating spread routes. Volcanic health alerts: Mt. Kanlaon ashfall reached Cebu, with officials warning about respiratory irritation and unsafe water; EMB-7 advised N95/KN95 masks, staying indoors, and covering food and drinking water. Typhoon-linked flooding: “Inday” (Bavi) plus Habagat left at least 5 dead and nearly 50,000 affected across parts of Mindanao and Western Visayas, with classes suspended in multiple areas. COVID-19 update: Pediatric infectious disease experts urged parents to stay vigilant amid an uptick, but said cases are generally mild and there’s no need to panic. TB care: A DOH expert highlighted AI-assisted detection to speed TB diagnosis, while calling for more local investment to sustain programs. PhilHealth benefits: Former Iloilo Rep. Ben Evardone backed Recto’s push for more benefits for PhilHealth direct contributors under the UHC law. School safety: A Senate hearing found only 3 in 10 public schools have security guards and 4 in 10 have cameras, as lawmakers expand the School Safety Act to include mental health. Public health identity: Marcos extended the CRVS Decade to 2030 to strengthen birth/death registration and legal identity systems.

Typhoon & Monsoon Response: Super Typhoon Inday (Bavi) intensified habagat rains, triggering flooding in Bukidnon that killed one and pushing dozens of LGUs to suspend classes; in Cagayan Valley, DOH issued Code White for hospitals with standby teams and P2M in emergency supplies. Volcanic Health Alerts: Kanlaon ashfall reached Cebu, prompting N95/KN95 mask advice, indoor precautions, and hospital alerts; multiple Cebu LGUs suspended face-to-face classes as respiratory risks rose. School Safety & Mental Health: A Senate hearing flagged major gaps—only 3 in 10 public schools have security guards and 4 in 10 have cameras—while lawmakers pushed the School Safety Act to include emergency protocols and mental health initiatives amid a spike in school violence and threats. Family Planning Access: Project LAYA completed clinical skills training for 60+ providers in Calabarzon to expand voluntary long-acting family planning services, focusing on quality counseling and implant delivery. TB + HIV Testing Efficiency: A TB specialist highlighted inequities in multi-disease testing pathways, calling for integrated testing to prevent missed follow-ups that can keep transmission going. Cataract Care Innovation: ForSight Robotics reported a robot-assisted cataract surgery using its JASPER platform, aiming to reduce surgeon fatigue and expand access where specialists are scarce. Local Support: PCSO turned over medical devices and mobility aids in Batangas 2nd District to help improve health and mobility for beneficiaries. Health in Courts: Sandiganbayan set a Friday hearing on Sen. Rodante Marcoleta’s medical status, as PNP said he remains under medical evaluation at PNP General Hospital.

Disaster Response & Public Health: Cebu’s Mt. Kanlaon ashfall prompted multiple LGUs to suspend classes and urged residents—especially children, pregnant women, and people with respiratory or heart conditions—to stay indoors, wear N95 masks, and protect eyes; the EMB 7 also warned not to drink groundwater exposed to ashfall. School Safety: DepEd and lawmakers flagged a worrying rise in school-related violence and threats after the Tacloban shooting, with DepEd pushing for “active shooter” drills nationwide. Maternal & Child Nutrition: President Marcos and DepEd rolled out an expanded school-based feeding program for Bulacan learners to help curb stunting. Family Planning Access: Project LAYA completed competency-based training for health workers in Calabarzon to expand quality long-acting family planning services. Women’s Health: PCOS is being renamed PMOS to better reflect its broader metabolic and long-term health risks. Healthcare Tech: iCare HMO Philippines won two Insurance Asia Awards for its Telemed7 AI platform and Super Preferred Clinics partnership model. Legal/Health Monitoring: Sen. Rodante Marcoleta’s medical status remains under Sandiganbayan review as PNP doctors recommend isolation amid rising Covid-19 reports. Mobility for Persons with Disabilities: The House launched “Diwang Yakap,” placing wheelchairs across the complex and improving accessibility for visitors and staff.

School Feeding for Stunting: President Marcos and DepEd Sec. Sonny Angara rolled out an expanded School-Based Feeding Program in Bulacan, starting with Pulilan Central School, to feed all Kindergarten and Grade 1 learners and provide nutrition support for wasted/severely wasted Grades 2–6, responding to rising stunting (now 25.3% among under-fives). School Safety & Violence Prevention: DepEd announced “active shooter” drills nationwide after the Tacloban school shooting that killed three students, with PNP support and an “automatic protocol” for campuses. Typhoon Health Readiness: As Super Typhoon Inday (Bavi) entered the Philippine area of responsibility, the DOH activated health emergency teams and prepositioned medicines, supplies, WASH items, and nutrition support, raising Code White Alert. Healthcare Access in Mindanao: PCSO turned over 44 patient transport vehicles to Mindanao LGUs to improve patient mobility and emergency response. Labor Market Pressure: Dole flagged the need for more “quality jobs” as unemployment rose to 4.8% in May (2.5M jobless). Public Health Security: Cebu issued a 45-day ban on hogs/pork from ASF-affected areas to protect its disease-free status, while BOC seized P137M in smuggled vape products at Manila port. Legal/Health Watch: Sen. Rodante Marcoleta remains under medical observation due to unstable blood pressure as court proceedings continue.

Super Typhoon Inday Response: President Marcos ordered a whole-of-government response as Inday entered the Philippine area of responsibility, with MMDA readying all 73 pumping stations and clearing drainage systems ahead of heavy habagat-enhanced rains. School Safety & Mental Health: After the Tacloban school shooting, DepEd will roll out active shooter drills and coordinate with PNP, while DILG directed LGUs to set up Safer School Zones and mobilize 277,744 village watchmen to protect learners from crime, traffic, and hazards. Child Nutrition: Marcos and DepEd launched the expanded School-Based Feeding Program in Bulacan to address rising stunting, with universal meals for Kindergarten and Grade 1 and nutrition support for wasted learners in Grades 2–6. Public Health Watch: An infectious disease expert said current Covid-19 cases are generally mild and expected to rise with the rainy season, urging calm but continued caution. Family Planning Access: Project LAYA completed CALABARZON competency training for long-acting family planning services, equipping over 60 providers to deliver implant counseling and insertion. Healthcare Logistics: PCSO turned over 44 patient transport vehicles to Mindanao LGUs to strengthen emergency response and patient mobility. E-waste Debate: SBMA defended allowing e-waste shipments into Subic Bay Freeport, saying “urban mining” supports circular economy goals, amid claims of possible Basel Convention violations.

Weather & Public Safety: Pagasa warned Metro Manila of possible heavy rains, flooding, and hazards to life and property on Thursday and Friday due to enhanced habagat, with risks including damage to some facilities and possible transport disruptions. COVID-19 Update: An infectious disease expert said most current Covid-19 cases in the country are mild and resolve in a few days, urging calm but continued caution as Quezon City reports a localized rise. Snakebite Care: Cebu will distribute 100 vials of newly procured polyvalent antivenom to provincial hospitals after reports of snake encounters, with trained doctors designated to administer treatment. Health Access & Mobility: PCSO turned over 44 patient transport vehicles to Mindanao LGUs to improve emergency response and patient mobility. Housing & Affordability: Pag-IBIG announced lower promotional interest rates and a higher home loan ceiling up to P10 million under the 4PH program to help reduce monthly amortizations. Family Health & Demographics: CPD reported fewer registered marriages and rising cohabitation, linking the shift to economic pressures and unintended pregnancy concerns. Community Health Systems: A Manila Times forum highlighted decentralized grassroots health services, including Laguna’s “Akat ni Gob” pharmacy network and mobile botika model. Disaster Readiness: Mimaropa police boosted disaster response readiness as they monitor Super Typhoon Bavi and the strengthening southwest monsoon.