(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Friday, 20 June 2025) Easterlies affecting the eastern section of the country. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—˜π—”π—§π—›π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Surigao del Sur will experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to ITCZ. Possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to at times heavy rains. Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to Easterlies. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—œπ—‘π—— 𝗔𝗑𝗗 π—–π—’π—”π—¦π—§π—”π—Ÿ π—ͺπ—”π—§π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Light to moderate winds coming from East to Northeast will prevail with slight to moderate seas / (0.6 to 1.5 meters).


Tuesday, 3 June 2025

DOH calls for responsible reporting on public health emergencies

By NiΓ±a Jonalyn Gambe-Diamante

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Dr. Vito Roque, medical officer V of the Applied Epidemiology and Health Management Division of the Department of Health-Epidemiology Bureau, led a discussion on the common public health emergencies and disease outbreaks during the Health Literacy Seminar for Media Practitioners held from May 26 to 28 in General Luna, Siargao.

Roque emphasized the importance of accurate terminology in news reporting, ensuring that media professionals use appropriate language when discussing public health issues.

The difference between vloggers and journalists such as yourselves is that vloggers make their videos for the sake of content. While journalists create stories based on truth alone,” said Roque.

He provided key terminologies relevant to epidemiology, equipping journalists with the knowledge necessary for responsible reporting.

In addition, Roque introduced various statistical tools designed to simplify complex health data. He highlighted methods that can help journalists interpret and present numerical information from the DOH in a more accessible manner for the public.

“It is important even for media practitioners to be able to understand the different statistical tools used most especially during public health emergencies. Also, it is crucial to make sure that you get your numbers right,” he reminded, putting emphasis on the importance of information accuracy in promoting responsible reporting.

Roque’s talk played a vital role in bridging the gap between epidemiology and media reporting.

Educating journalists on accurate public health terminology helped the participating media practitioners to ensure that news reports on health emergencies are clear, precise, and responsible. This is crucial in preventing misinformation and fostering public awareness.

Additionally, his introduction of statistical tools provided media practitioners with ways to simplify complex health data, making it more accessible to the general public. This enhances the quality of news reporting, allowing communities to better understand health risks and responses.

Ultimately, the discussion contributes to more informed public discussions and effective communication between health authorities and the public. (NJGD, PIA Caraga)