THE 53rd Infantry Battalion (53IB) has spearheaded an mpox (monkeypox) Awareness Seminar demonstrating its commitment to public health and community engagement.
The seminar was conducted on Friday, July 4, at Camp Major David Sabido, in collaboration with the Rural Health Unit (RHU) of Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur.
The 53IB said the seminar aimed to educate its personnel and their dependents on the essential aspects of monkeypox, including its modes of transmission, signs and symptoms, prevention measures, and available control strategies.
The 53IB said the health awareness initiative reflects the battalion’s proactive approach to safeguarding the health and operational readiness of its troops while promoting their role as informed community partners in public health.
The 53IB said it also highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing emerging health threats.
“The fight against disease begins with awareness. By empowering our personnel with knowledge about mpox, we not only protect our unit but also enhance our capacity to serve and educate the communities we are sworn to defend,” Lieutenant Colonel Rolando Vargas, Jr., 53IB commander, said.
The 53IB said it remains committed to working closely with local health agencies to deliver timely and relevant health interventions, ensuring both the welfare of its soldiers and the well-being of the communities in Zamboanga del Sur.
During the seminar, health professionals namely Rosemary Saavedra and Charmaine Gabule of Guipos RHU provided valuable insights. (SunStar Zamboanga)