In its continuous mission to promote a safe and healthy environment around its host communities, AboitizPower subsidiary Therma South, Inc. (TSI) and Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (AFI) in partnership with the Davao City Health Office and the barangay councils of Binugao and Sirawan in Davao City conducted a series of respiratory health symposia in Barangay Binugao and Barangay Sirawan last Feb. 28 and March 1, respectively.
Around 300 participants attended the discussions composed mostly of mothers and senior citizens from the host barangays.
A team from the Davao City Health Office led by Toril District Doctor-in-Charge Dr. Margie Roa-Rubio discussed various respiratory health topics, including tips on how to avoid common respiratory diseases, and observance of proper basic sanitation and good hygiene.
Representatives from the City Health Office shared that in an independent baseline health study conducted in 2016, among the most common bad practices that contribute to respiratory diseases were cooking with charcoal, burning trash, and smoking.
“Respiratory diseases have always been common. Even before TSI began operating, residents here have already been cooking using charcoal or firewood inside their houses and burning their waste, thus producing harmful smoke. Respiratory diseases can easily be prevented if we can correct these bad practices,” explained Rubio to the participants.
In addition to the talks from the resource speakers, TSI also handed out comics and posters promoting respiratory health and access to safe drinking water. (pr)
