The Department of Health in Bicol (DOH-5) is targeting a total of 2,460,994 residents of the region for health assessment through the Philippine Package for Essential Non-Communicable Diseases Interventions (PhilPEN) from March 1-31.

In a Zoom conference on Monday, Dr. Monrey Isaiah Mancilla, chief of the DOH-5 Non-Communicable Disease Control and Prevention Cluster and concurrent head of the Health Promotion and Communication Cluster, said the purpose of the activity is to give early diagnosis, management and treatment for various diseases that may be afflicting individuals aged 20 years and above.

“The Mass PhilPEN is a region-wide activity that will assess the presence or absence of risk factors for the early detection, prevention, and management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes. Apart from the fixed and modified fixed post setting, health care workers shall bring the PhilPEN services to households, especially in far-flung areas,” he said.

Mancilla said they will implement a community-based house-to-house mass PhilPEN risk assessment strategy.

He encouraged the public to participate in the activity by honestly answering the questions of the health workers for a proper assessment of their health situation and provision of treatment.

“If you are 20 years old and above, join the Mass PhilPEN Risk Assessment Activity and get screened at your nearest health center. Maintaining a healthy diet, physical activity, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco products are also essential in the fight against NCDs,” Mancilla said. (PNA)