BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, of the City Health Service Office, assures the public that the increase in cases of the new variant of H3N2 Influenza, dubbed “Superflu” in the United States and detected in the Philippines, there is currently no cause for concern, reinforcing the statement of DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa. She reiterates the advisory issued last October 2025, which urges the public to strengthen preventive measures, particularly for residents with pre-existing health conditions. “We have consistently reminded residents and visitors to follow preventive measures since last year, including before the Christmas season, to help avoid potential surges in influenza cases,” Dr. Brillantes emphasized. Although Baguio City has not seen a significant increase in influenza cases, prevention remains the most effective safeguard—especially as students return for the new school season. According to Department Memorandum No. 2023-0391, an influenza-like illness (ILI) is defined as “any person with an acute respiratory infection with ALL of the following: measured fever of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, and cough or sore throat with symptoms.” Dr. Brillantes highlighted that ILI occurs throughout the year, with predictable peaks from August to October during the rainy and early cold months. The highest case counts are observed among children aged 1–9 years and older adults. In response, the CHSO strongly advises the public to remain vigilant and practice recommended health measures. 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 Everyone is encouraged to reactivate and sustain the good health habits practiced during the COVID-19 pandemic: Wear a mask if you have a cough, cold, or any flu-like symptoms. Wash hands frequently with soap and water. Observe proper coughing and sneezing etiquette. Disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, tables, and toys. Avoid crowded indoor spaces with poor ventilation. Get vaccinated to avoid severe effects of the flu virus, especially for the elderly and children. 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 Elementary and high schools, universities, and training centers are advised to monitor the health status of students and staff. Individuals with coughs or colds should stay home until they have fully recovered. Parents are encouraged to bring symptomatic children to the nearest District Health Center for a free consultation. If symptoms persist for 3-5 days. Schools may consider hybrid learning options to support continued education. 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗝𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 Given the higher risk of transmission in closed settings: Isolate Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) showing ILI symptoms. 2. jail personnel on identifying early signs of illness. Early detection and isolation help prevent outbreaks in crowded facilities. 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 Contractors and site managers are reminded to: Provide spacious and well-ventilated barracks or resting areas. Supply masks and ensure symptomatic workers wear them at all times. Maintain handwashing and alcohol stations. Workers with symptoms persisting for 3-5 days should visit the nearest District Health Center for evaluation. 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 (e.g., Hotels and Restaurants, BPO companies, government offices, private establishments) Employers and managers are encouraged to regularly monitor the health of their personnel. Those exhibiting flu-like symptoms should stay home and seek consultation at the nearest District Health Center. Workplaces should promote frequent handwashing and proper cough etiquette. 4. Adequate ventilation must be maintained by opening windows or improving airflow. Frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, tables, and equipment should be disinfected regularly. To know your nearest DHC, check the link below: https://bit.ly/YourDHCBaguio 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 Tourists and visitors are advised to assess their own health before traveling and ensure they are well-rested. If symptoms develop, they should seek medical attention and remain at home until fully recovered. For urgent or unavoidable travel, wearing a mask is recommended to prevent virus transmission. The CHSO Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit reported a three-year analysis that describes influenza-like illness (ILI) trends in Baguio City from 2023–2025 using sentinel facility surveillance data. A total of 12,007 ILI cases were reported, with a sharp increase in 2024 and a decline in 2025. However, ILI cases in 2025 remained higher than in 2023. Laboratory findings confirmed ongoing circulation of multiple ILI-causing viruses, with influenza A and B, RSV, rhinovirus, and SARS-CoV-2 predominating. Pathogen or virus diversity was broader in 2023, while 2024–2025 reflected a more typical influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) seasonal pattern. The CHSO also explained the increase observed in 2024 likely reflects overlapping drivers: intensified circulation of respiratory viruses post-pandemic, school-related transmission, possible increased consultation and reporting, and co-circulation of influenza and RSV.                

By Rose Frejane A. Cruz BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The city government led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong and officials of the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. (BFFFI) formally opened the Calendar of Activities of the month-long celebration of the much-anticipated crowd-drawing event Panagbenga or Baguio Flower Festival during a launch held at the Baguio City Hall grounds on January 12. The historic event with the theme “Blooming Without End” symbolizing three decades of stability, cultural pride, and community celebration.   BFFFI is now preparing for the re-blooming of the Summer Capital in celebration of the 30th Panagbenga Festival, with traditional events included in the more than month-long celebration from February 1 to March 8, once again delighting residents and tourists.   Aside from the visual appeal of the events, Panagbenga is considered a powerful tourism and local livelihood booster for Baguio City, continuously providing economic support to small and large businesses, while strengthening the city’s identity as a cultural and creative hub of the Cordillera.   Panagbenga will begin with the traditional grand opening parade on February 1, where elementary students will showcase their skills in their Drum and Lyre competition, followed by the opening of the Market Encounter at Burnham Park.   The much-anticipated grand street dance parade is on February 28 and the following day, March 1, the grand floral parade and Session Road in Bloom on March 2 to March 8.   Panagbenga, which means “time of flowering” and comes from the Benguet word Kankanaey, was started in 1996 in an effort to help the city recover from the devastating 1990 Luzon earthquake.   Over the years, it has grown to become one of the most iconic festivals in the Philippines, attracting thousands of visitors with its unique flower parades, street dances, and cultural performances and has been recognized as a member of the International Festivals and Events Association.        

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The City Health Services Office (CHSO) stresses that one of the health burdens in Baguio is non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cancer, heart disease, and diseases affecting the blood vessels. During the first Health Governance Summit in Baguio, health authorities, lawmakers, and other stakeholders gathered to discuss solutions to reduce NCDs in the city through healthy public food procurement. During the summit, Atty. Kim Louise C. Areño of ImagineLaw, a non-government organization, explained that the Healthy Public Food Procurement Policy proposes that no public funds be spent on unhealthy food. This initiative directly supports the city’s goal by aiming to improve citizen health, ensure nutritious and sustainable public food, and allocate healthcare savings for essential services. ​Building on these discussions, healthy food procurement is expected to help address the rising number of cases of non-communicable diseases by promoting balanced meals with the right portions of meat, vegetables, carbohydrates, and fruits for a healthier diet. ​Its scope applies to all offices, departments, institutions, and task forces of the Baguio City Government. Other government offices as well as private institutions in the city will also be enjoined to adopt the same policy on food procurement in order to maximize its health impacts. 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗧: 𝗟𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 Atty.Yvette Zaide Soberano, also of ImagineLaw highlighted the threat of alcohol intoxication to others aside from its health effects on the drinker. According to the World Health Organization, more Filipino youth are becoming exposed to and at high risk of alcohol. ​In the long term, harmful and hazardous levels of alcohol consumption can lead to social problems, including family problems, issues at work, financial problems, and unemployment. She then introduced the RESET Alcohol Program in the Philippines, which supports the Philippine government in developing effective, evidence-based policies to prevent and reduce alcohol-related harms. Model ordinances ban consumption in public places, regulate alcohol sales licenses, establish a minimum legal drinking age, impose restrictions on hours and days of sale, and authorize the imposition of alcohol bans during times of emergency, calamity, or threat to public order and safety. Additionally, these ordinances restrict advertising, promotions, and sponsorship. Such ideas are considered and will be studied by health authorities and local leaders. The City Health Services Office (CHSO), led by Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes and Councilor Elmer Datuin, Chairperson of the Committee on Health, Environment and Ecology, is also at work to study and craft possible initiatives on healthy food procurement for Baguio LGU employees and possibly to other constituents as well. NMacadangdang, MNicolas, KJDP