Baguio: This city's Health Services Office (HSO) warned the public anew on Monday of food and waterborne diseases common during the rainy season. "It is important that what we eat is safe, the water we drink is safe. That goes not only to residents of Baguio but to visitors who come and go to the city. We advise the public to be very cautious of the food and water they take in to avoid possible water and food-borne diseases that are common, especially during the rainy season," Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, city health officer, said in a media interview.

According to Philippines News Agency, Brillantes emphasized the need for authorities to be informed of leaking septic tanks and sewer lines. About 150 diarrhea cases have been recorded in the past few months, with most logged only a few weeks ago. "We have 150 cases of diarrhea, but two weeks ago we had several cases although there was no clustering. The ideal is zero cases, that is why we are constantly monitoring the cases in hospitals and communities. There were also no severe complications recorded," she said.

The city government is taking steps to prevent a repeat of the diarrhea outbreak from December 2024 to January 2025, which saw over 3,000 cases recorded and led authorities to revisit the sanitation code of Baguio. "We have water code, which was strengthened after the outbreak last year. We ask for the cooperation of owners of water delivery establishments to comply with the rules," Brillantes said. Following the outbreak, all water delivery trucks were mandated to install a chlorination system to ensure the potability of their supply.

Brillantes noted that water refilling stations and deep well operators are required to adhere to certain requirements. Businesses must submit monthly water testing results while the sanitation division conducts surprise inspections and testing to ensure public safety. Sanitation inspector Zachary Reydon Flores highlighted the importance of training for food handlers working in the food industry. He stated that the basic principle of food safety is similar to practices at home, such as proper hand washing and sanitizing food preparation areas.

"The common way of transmission of viruses and bacteria is through the hands, that is why it is necessary to always wash hands with soap and water," Flores said.