THE Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region, through its Communicable Diseases Unit (CDU) and Malaria Control and Elimination Program, in partnership with the Cagayan Valley Center for Health Development (CVCHD), successfully conducted the Intensive Malaria Microscopy Training for Medical Technologists on October 20–31, 2025, in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.
The 12-day training course aimed to strengthen the capacity of medical technologists in accurately diagnosing malaria through microscopy.
Participants were equipped with essential knowledge and technical skills to identify malaria parasite species, prepare and stain blood smears, and ensure high-quality, standardized laboratory results.
Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco of DOH Ilocos Region highlighted the importance of such initiatives in sustaining the region’s progress toward malaria elimination.
“Mahalaga ang tamang pagsusuri upang mapanatili ang mga lugar na walang malaria at maiwasan ang muling paglitaw ng sakit. By continuously building the skills of our health workers, we strengthen our collective effort toward a malaria-free Philippines”.
During the training, medical technologists undergone combination of lectures and hands-on laboratory exercises, needed to enhance their diagnostic competencies and understanding of malaria morphology, slide reading, and quality assurance practices.
Likewise, the training reflects DOH’s ongoing commitment to capacity building and inter-regional collaboration in support of the National Malaria Control and Elimination Program, contributing to the country’s goal of eliminating malaria by 2030.
This month of November is Malaria Awareness Month, which is celebrated by conducting various activities to raise awareness and promote prevention and control of malaria as per Proclamation 1168 series of November 2006,
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