DepEd-6 investigates food poisoning incident in Iloilo school

By John Noel E. Herrera

The Department of Education (DepEd) in Western Visayas is investigating a food poisoning incident in a public school in Iloilo province which resulted in the death of one student and the hospitalization of 37 others, including some DepEd staff.

In a statement issued by DepEd-6, it said that the agency has already tasked its legal unit to look into the matter as it worked closely with the local health authorities.

“The school, together with the Schools Division Office of Iloilo, is currently in coordination with the Rural Health Unit of Ajuy to address the needs of the affected learners and personnel, and to conduct further investigation on the case,” the DepEd-6 said.

It was reported on Nov 5, 2022 that a student from Pili National High School in Ajuy, Iloilo was killed due to food poisoning, while others were sickened and experienced stomach aches and vomiting after they had lunch together with their advisers inside their classroom.

Ajuy, Iloilo Mayor Jett Rojas also earlier said that the victims suspected the ‘buko pandan juice’ prepared during the acquaintance party was the culprit of the food poisoning.

The incident report from DepEd-6 also revealed that the deceased learner identified as Ricky Ann Angel Bacacao, 17, “was first brought to Sara District Hospital and was advised to be admitted but refused to do so and went home.”

“A few hours later, the learner’s condition got worse, and was rushed to Barotac Viejo District hospital but was declared dead on arrival,” it added.

Some students who also experienced vomiting and stomach ache were rushed to Barotac Viejo District Hospital where they were “hydrated and started on IV antibiotics.”

Fecalysis results coming from two admitted students also revealed that they suffered from amoebiasis, an infection of the intestines caused by a parasitic amoeba.

DepEd-6 also said that they are coordinating with the school and the Rural Health Unit of Ajuy to respond to the needs of the affected learners and personnel.

The local government of Ajuy also pledged to pay all the hospital bills of the victims and provide financial assistance to the family of the deceased student.

DepEd-6 added that Pili National High School personnel and nearby public schools of Ajuy, Iloilo also initiated financial assistance for the victims.

DepEd-6 also reiterated its stricter measures for food safety inside the school vicinity to ensure the well-being of the students.

Under Department Order 8, food being sold inside the school canteens must also be subjected to the local government’s sanitary measures, while outside vendors are prohibited from selling on the school premises to ensure the “safety and health” of learners.