The City Health Office (CHO) reports a significant decline in diarrhea cases in the city and is crediting the intensified hand washing campaign as behind it.
Hersey E. Rubio, CHO Public Health inspector said that the drop in diarrhea cases in the city is due to the increased awareness and consistent practice of proper handwashing through school visits, community outreach, and ongoing food safety orientations in workplaces led by the CHO.
“Gamay nalang ang cases nato sa diarrhea cases because na practice na nila kung unsa ang proper handwashing pinaagi sa mga programa sa city health office. Nag visit mi sa school and community and ongoing na food safety orientation sa mga workplace. So nakabalo na sila unsaon paglikay sa mga sakit pinaagi sa paghugas sa kamot (We have fewer diarrhea cases because people have learned and practiced proper handwashing through the City Health Office’s programs. We’ve conducted visits to schools and communities, and there is also an ongoing food safety orientation in workplaces. So, people are now more aware of how to prevent illnesses through regular handwashing),” she told DCDR Health Alert: City Health Office over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
She added that handwashing with soap and water is the most effective way to remove germs and prevent illnesses such as diarrhea, cholera, and respiratory diseases.
“Ang paghugas sa kamot dili lang sya effective using water so, dapat naa tay sabon para matanggal gyud ang kagaw. Tubig og sabon para epektibo na matanggal ang kagaw sa kamot para dili maapil og kaon kung kita mag padulong sa atung pagkaonan (Washing hands with water alone is not enough to remove germs. Water with soap is essential to ensure thorough cleaning, especially before handling or eating food),” she said.
She also said handwashing facilities should be made available in workplaces, schools, and homes. However, in areas with limited access to clean water, alcohol-based hand sanitizers may be used as an alternative, but Rubio emphasized that soap and water remain the standard for proper hand washing.
She emphasized the importance of handwashing as a daily habit, encouraging Dabawenyos to train themselves to wash their hands with soap and water regularly.
“Dapat gyud siya himoung habit. Dapat isanay nato atung sarili na every time na naa tay gunitan og after gamiton manghugas tag kamot using soap and water (Handwashing should become a regular habit. We need to train ourselves to wash our hands with soap and water every time we touch something and after using it),” she said.
CHO also recommends washing hands for one minute, approximately the length of two Happy Birthday songs, to ensure thorough cleaning.
As the CHO joins the observance of Global Handwashing Day, it reaffirms its commitment to promoting handwashing as a simple yet powerful tool in disease prevention. CIO
