THE Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region led the four-day Regional Strategic Drowning Prevention Plan Formulation Workshop held on October 21-24, 2025 in San Juan, La Union, gathering key stakeholders to strengthen the region’s multi-sectoral approach in reducing and preventing drowning incidents and building a roadmap for safer communities.
The workshop aimed to develop a comprehensive and evidence-based Regional Strategic Drowning Prevention Plan aligned with the National Drowning Prevention Framework and the Philippine Health Agenda.
DOH–Ilocos Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco emphasized the urgent need for coordinated efforts in addressing drowning, one of the leading but preventable causes of injury-related deaths in the Philippines.
“We need to prevent this silent public health issue that affects individuals and families across all age groups. Through this collaborative planning workshop, we are building a unified strategy to make our communities safer—especially our children, fishermen, and coastal populations,” she stated.
Recent data from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) revealed 280 drowning incidents in Region I from 2022 to 2025. Adults aged 25–59 years recorded the most cases (114), followed by youth aged 15–24 (59) and children 0–14 (73).
Pangasinan accounted for the highest share of cases at 52%, followed by La Union (23%), Ilocos Norte (14%), and Ilocos Sur (11%). Notably, 81.1% of drowning incidents were accidental, while 16.1% were alcohol-related—highlighting the urgent need for stronger safety education and responsible behavior near water.
Throughout the workshop, participants analyzed drowning data, mapped high-risk areas, and identified vulnerable populations. They also crafted strategies focusing on prevention, emergency response, surveillance, and advocacy, underscoring the importance of community engagement, education, and safer infrastructure in both coastal and inland water zones.
Director Sydiongco emphasized that the resulting Regional Strategic Drowning Prevention Plan (2025–2030) will guide local government units (LGUs) in developing localized action plans and policies that align with national goals.
“This plan is our roadmap toward a future where no life is lost to drowning,” she said. “It reflects our continuing commitment to promote safety, prevent injuries, and protect lives through strong partnerships and evidence-based interventions.”
The four-day event drew active participation from a wide range of agencies and organizations, including the BFP, City FARMC, DA, DENR, DepEd, DILG, PALDRRMO, PCG, PDRRMOs of the four provinces, PIA, PNP LUPPO, PNP PRO1, and PRC La Union—all committed to advancing water safety and saving lives in the region.
The DOH–Ilocos Region reaffirmed that preventing drowning requires all sectors to work together—from policy-makers and responders to educators and community leaders—because every life saved is a success for public health.
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