Apostolic Vicariate of Bontoc-Lagawe Educational System (AVBLES)

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN MOUNTAIN PROVINCE (CSMP)

HEALTH 10
QUARTER II:
HEALTH TRENDS,
ISSUES AND CONCERNS
ENHANCED CONTENT STANDARDS:
Evaluate understanding of current health trends, issues, and concerns at the local,
regional, and national, levels.

ENHANCED PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

Create a video documentary applying critical thinking skills in exploring and
recommending ways of managing local, regional, and national health trends, issues,
and concerns by gathering and interpreting data and other information.

ESSENTIAL LEARNING COMPETENCIES:

ELC 1: Examine the different existing health-related laws and their significance in
safeguarding people’s health
ELC 2: Analyze the impact of Current Health Trends, Issues, and concerns.

ELC 3: Recommend ways of managing health issues, trends and concerns

LESSON 1: Health-Related Laws, Significance of Health Trends, Issues, and Concerns

LESSON 2: Impact of Health Trends, Issues, and Concerns
LESSON 3: Ways to Manage Health Trends, Issues, and Concerns

Prepared by: Harriet C. Kingan

School: Holy Rosary High School, Inc.

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LESSON 1: Significance of Health Trends, Issues, and Concerns
Existing National Laws Related To Health Trends, Issues, And Concerns
Have you ever heard of stories about your classmates, relatives, or neighbors having problems
or issues with not just physical health but also emotional health? These health-related issues are also
concerns of our national leaders because the citizens' health affects our country's overall social and
economic welfare.
How much do you know about health-related issues in our country? How are these issues
addressed through national laws?

A. RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH ACT OF 2012 (RA 10354)

WHAT IS RH LAW?
The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health is a law in the Philippines that guarantees
universal access to methods of contraception, fertility control, sexual education, and maternal care.

The law guarantees the following:

✓ Access to services on Reproductive Health (RH) and Family Planning (FP), with due regard to
the informed choice of individuals and couples who will accept these services;
✓ Maternal health care services, including skilled birthed attendance and facility-based deliveries;
✓ Reproductive health and sexuality education for the youth; and
✓ Regular funding for the law’s full implementation

Below are the pros and cons raised about the RH Law:
PROS CONS
Overpopulation: It is believed that RH Law is Overpopulation: RH Law is an assumption on
the responsive approach to rapid population the basis that “overpopulation causes poverty.”
growth which many people point out as a cause The growing supply of young workers is
of poverty. projected to contribute a high percentage to the
economic growth of the Philippines.
Pro-choice and Proc-chance: By using Antilife: RH Bill is a violation of a religious
contraceptives, people have a choice as to how doctrine in the Philippines which is a Catholic-
many children they can afford to care for. dominated nation. Contraceptives are not an
assurance to prevent fertilization because
medical studies show that some of these
contraceptives are abortifacient.
Reproductive Health Education for the Youth: Irresponsible Sexual Behavior: Introducing
This will raise the level of awareness of the health education and promoting the use of
youth’s perception of gender roles and will contraceptives may encourage irresponsible
influence the choices they will make about their sexual attitudes, especially among the youth.
sexual behavior.
Maternal Care: The bill aims to provide sufficient Prone to corruption: Implementation of the bill
services such as emergency obstetrics and basic will cost billions of pesos and threat lies behind
care. In addition, skilled medical personnel will be the process.
provided even in remote areas to decrease
maternal death which is mostly caused by
unattended childbirth.

THE ELEMENTS OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH (Section 4, RA 10354)

✓ Family planning information and services shall include as a priority making women of
reproductive age fully aware of their respective cycles to make them aware of when fertilization
is highly probable, as well as highly improbable;
✓ Maternal, infant, and child health and nutrition, including breastfeeding;
✓ Proscription of abortion and management of abortion complications;
✓ Adolescent and youth reproductive health guidance and counseling;
✓ Prevention, treatment, and management of reproductive tract infections (RTI), HIV, AIDS, and
other sexually transmittable infections (STI);
✓ Elimination of violence against women and children and other forms of sexual and gender-
based violence;
✓ Education and counseling on sexuality and reproductive health;
✓ Treatment of breast and reproductive tract cancers and other gynecological conditions and
disorders;
✓ Male responsibility and involvement and men’s reproductive health;
✓ Prevention, treatment, and management of infertility and sexual dysfunction;
✓ Reproductive health education for the adolescents; and
✓ Mental health aspect of reproductive health care.

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\B. TOBACCO REGULATION ACT OF 2003 (RA 9211)
Republic Act No. 9211, also known as the Tobacco Regulation Act 2003, is an omnibus law regulating
smoking in public places, tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, and sales restrictions,
among other requirements.

To promote a healthful environment, the Act bans smoking in public places, most especially in centers of
youth activities, elevators and stairwells, fire-hazardous places, within public and private hospitals and
medical clinics, airports and other terminals, and food preparation areas. In this light, a designated
smoking and non-smoking area should be utilized.

The Act also restricts access to the sale of tobacco products to minors. Tobacco may not be put in a
vending machine, unless it verifies age, and may not be sold within 100 meters of a school. Should
tobacco be sold, there should be proper signage that indicates target consumers. When it comes to
advertising and promotions, the Act provisions the printing of warnings on cigarette packs in either Filipino
or English. In
addition, health warnings should also be included.

Lastly, the government should provide programs and projects for those who shall be affected by the
passing of the Act. One example of which are the tobacco growers. The Act provisions the establishment
of a cooperative and assistance program for the said people.

The Philippines became a party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on September
4, 2005. Smoking is prohibited in enumerated indoor public places and workplaces such as government
facilities, and health care and education institutions. Smoking is also prohibited in public vehicles and
terminals.

C. COMPREHENSIVE DANGEROUS DRUGS ACT OF 2002 (RA 9165)

This Act Institutes the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, repealing Republic Act 6425,
otherwise known as The Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972, as amended, providing funds therefor, and for
other purposes.

Section 5 of RA 9165 penalizes any person who participates in the sale, trading, administration,
dispensation, delivery, distribution, and transportation of any dangerous drugs, including any species of
opium poppy regardless of the quantity and purity involved, or who acts as a broker in any of such
transaction.

It likewise penalizes any person who sells, trades, administers, dispenses, delivers, gives away to
another, distributes, or transports any controlled precursor and essential chemical, or who acts as a
broker in such transaction, unless he/she is authorized by law.

D. CONSUMER ACT OF THE PHILIPPINES (RA 7394)

Consumer Act of the Philippines (RA 7394) is the policy of the State to protect the interest of the
consumer, promote general welfare, and establish standards of conduct for business and industry. The
Act is focused on the welfare, protection, and rights of all consumers in the Philippines.

Republic Act No. 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines has three objectives (Galvez Tan, et al.,
2009):
1. Protect the interest of the consumer
2. Promote his/her general welfare
3. Establish standards of conduct for business and industry
To achieve the objectives, the Act aims to protect people against hazards to health and safety and
deceptive and unfair sales acts and practices. In this light, the policy mandates information dissemination
and education to facilitate sound choice and proper exercise of the rights of the consumer.

The Consumer Act also covers the quality and safety of different products like food, drugs, cosmetics,
and devices. The policy also promotes the protection of the citizens against hazardous substances that
may be on sale. Hence, proper labeling and fair packaging shall be required for all the products being
sold.

E. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AWARENESS AND EDUCATION ACT OF 2008 (RA 9512)

This Act provides for the promotion of environmental awareness through environmental education which
shall encompass environmental concepts and principles, environmental laws, the state of international
and local environment, local best practices, threats of environmental degradation and its impact on
human well-being, the responsibility of the citizenry to the environment and the value of conservation,
and protection and rehabilitation of natural resources and the environment.

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F. TRADITIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ACT (TAMA) OF 1997 (RA 8423)
In connection with the Consumer Act, Republic Act 8423 or the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act
of 1997 (TAMA) provides for the improvement of quality and delivery of health care services in the country
through the development of traditional and alternative healthcare and its integration into the national
healthcare system.

The policy also identifies medicinal plants in the country which are readily available. These medicinal
plants shall be given care by different agencies. To coordinate various activities and programs in the
traditional and alternative healthcare delivery system, the Act provisions the establishment of the
Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Healthcare (PITAHC) to accelerate the development of
the said healthcare in the country.

G. PHILIPPINE AIDS PREVENTION AND CONTROL ACT OF 1998 (RA 8504)

This Act promulgates policies and prescribes measures for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in the
Philippines, instituting a nationwide HIV/AIDS information and educational program, establishing a
comprehensive HIV/AIDS monitoring system, strengthening the Philippine Nationwide Aids Council, and
other purposes.

The law ensures that the state shall promote public awareness about the causes, modes of transmission,
consequences, prevention, and control of HIV/AIDS through comprehensive nationwide educational and
information campaigns promoting value formation and employing scientific approaches. These focus on
the family as a basic unit and are carried out in all schools and training centers, workplaces, and
communities. The said information and formation must be integrated into the instruction in subjects taught
in both public and private schools at intermediate grade levels, secondary and tertiary, and in non-formal
and indigenous learning systems.

The law prohibits the donation of tissues or organs unless a sample from the donor has been tested
negative for HIV. Donated blood shall be subjected to HIV testing and HIV (+) blood be disposed of
properly and immediately.

The state shall encourage voluntary testing for individuals with written informed consent must first be
obtained. No compulsory HIV testing hall be allowed except when a person is charged with any of the
crimes under the Revised Penal Code, the determination of HIV is necessary to resolve family issues
under the “Family Code,” and when complying with the provisions of the “Organ Donation Act.”

Strict confidentiality in the handling of the medical information, identity, and status of the person with HIV
must be observed.

H. NATIONAL BLOOD SERVICES ACT OF 1994 (RA 7719)

This Act promotes voluntary blood donation, providing for an adequate supply of safe blood, and
regulates blood banks, providing penalties for violation thereof.

Under RA No. 7719, it aims to create public consciousness of the importance of blood donation in saving
the lives of millions of Filipinos. The National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP) of the DOH is
targeting the youth as volunteers in its blood donation program. The DOH is hoping that more individuals
will become regular voluntary unpaid donors to guarantee a sufficient supply of safe blood and to meet
national blood necessities.

I. SEAT BELT USE ACT OF 1999 (RA 8750)

This Act required mandatory compliance by motorists of private and public vehicles to use seat belt
devices and required vehicle manufacturers to install seat belts in all their manufactured vehicles.

In the Philippines, buckling up is still not a habit for many motorists. This, however, is expected with the
existence of the Seat Belt Act. This law mandates the wearing of seat belts in automobiles and other
vehicles, including buses.

The most important things to remember are the following:

✓ The driver and front seat passengers are required to wear 3-point seat belts.
✓ The rear seat passengers are required to wear at least belt lap belts.
✓ No child under six years of age is allowed to occupy the front seat.
✓ The law applies even if a vehicle is stuck in traffic. This means that the law is applicable whenever
the vehicle is in circulation on a public or private street and not just when the vehicle is in motion.
✓ The above provisions apply to all drivers and passengers in taxis, to the front seat and middle row
passengers in private and public AUVs and SUVs with the passengers in any rear bench seats
exempted, and to the drivers and passengers in the front seats of jeepneys and buses.

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ALWAYS REMEMBER TO BUCKLE UP, NOT ONLY IS IT IN THE LAW BUT IT MAY ALSO SAVE
YOUR LIFE.

J. CYBERCRIME PREVENTION ACT OF 2012 (RA 10175)

This Act defines cybercrime, as providing for the prevention, investigation, suppression, and imposition
of penalties therefor and for other purposes.

Cybercrime is a crime committed with or through the use of information and communication technologies
such as radio, television, cellular phones, computers and networks, and other communication devices or
applications.

Here are the different categories of cybercrime:

❖ Data Crime
Privacy of communications is essential to ensure that data cannot be modified or viewed in transit.
Distributed environments bring with them the possibility that a malicious third party can perpetrate
a computed crime by tampering with data as it moves between sites. The attacker monitors data
streams to or from a target to gather information.
❖ Network crime
a. Network interfering with the functioning of a computer network by inputting, transmitting,
damaging, deleting, deteriorating, altering, and suppressing network data.
b. Network sabotage or incompetent managers trying to do the jobs of the people they normally are
in charge of.
❖ Access Crime
a. Unauthorized access is an insider’s view of the computer cracker underground. Unauthorized
access looks at the personalities behind the computer screens and aims to separate the media
hype of the ‘outlaw hacker’ from reality.
b. Virus dissemination: Malicious software like viruses or worms attaches itself to other software.
Trojan Horse, Time bomb, Logic bomb, Rabbit, and Bacterium are examples of malicious software
that destroy the system of the victim.

K. ANTI-CHILD PORNOGRAPHY ACT OF 2009 (RA 9775)

This Act is known as the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009. This is an Act defining the crime of
child pornography, prescribing penalties therefor and for other purposes.
The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect
their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

In relation to cybercrime, child pornography has become a pressing concern of this generation.
As defined, “Child Pornography “refers to any representation, whether visual, audio, or written
combination thereof, by electronic, mechanical, digital, optical, magnetic, or any other means, of a child
engaging or involved in real or simulated explicit sexual activities” (Official Gazette 2009). In addition, it
is also important to note how the Act defines a “Child”.

“Child” refers to a person below eighteen (18) years of age or over, but is unable to fully take care
of himself/herself from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation, or discrimination because of a physical or
mental
disability or condition. For this Act, a child shall also refer to:
(1) A person regardless of age who is presented, depicted, or portrayed as a child as defined herein; and
(2) Computer-generated, digitally or manually crafted images or graphics of a person who is represented
or who is made to appear to be a child as defined herein.

Child pornography may also be syndicated if there are three (3) or more persons confederating
with one another. In this light, it is not only the victim who can file a complaint, but the parents or
guardians, relative within the third degree, officer or social worker of a licensed child-caring institution or
DSWD, barangay chairman, law enforcement officer, at least three concerned responsible citizens in the
same place where the pornography occurs, and a person who is knowledgeable of the law may do so.

Once the victim is identified, he/she is subject to care, custody, and treatment from the
Department of Social Welfare and Development. In addition, an inter-agency program shall also be
established to prevent child pornography.

The act aims to raise awareness about the harm of pornography to women and children, and also
the harms of pornography to its users, to relationships, and the society in general. The youth should be
challenged to take action against pornography, to educate them on the dangers of it, and to urge them
to reclaim their dignity.

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The pornographers have also taken advantage of the latest technological inventions to make more profit
and increase the sales of their misogynistic materials. The sexual objectification of women can be easily
noticed on cable TV shows, MTV, reality TV shows, in fashion, advertising, men's and women’s
magazines, music videos, etc.

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT 1:
You are a young legislator and the voice of the youth in the Congress. There is a clamor from the
youth sector to intensify the State’s recognition of the vital role of the youth in nation-building.
You are tasked to author a Bill to guarantee the promotion and protection of any of the following
aspects: their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, emotional, psychological, or social well-
being. The Bill will be read before a Youth General Assembly before its submission to the
Congress. The Bill should be clearly stated, relevant, and youth-friendly.

LESSON 2: IMPACT OF CURRENT HEALTH TRENDS, ISSUES, AND CONCERNS

A. FAMILY PLANNING/CONTRACEPTION
Family planning allows people to attain the desired number of children and determine the spacing of
pregnancies. It is achieved through the use of contraceptive methods and the treatment of infertility.
Promoting family planning and ensuring access to preferred contraceptive methods for women and
couples is essential to secure the well-being and autonomy of women while supporting the health and
development of communities.

Among ASEAN countries, the Philippines ranks third in terms of pregnancy with a birth rate of 51.6%
among women ages 15-19.

Family planning and contraception also aims to achieve the following:

✓ Preventing pregnancy-related health risks in women
✓ Reduction of infant mortality
✓ help prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS

B. TOBACCO SMOKING
Smoking has a tremendous social and economic impact on the health and well-being of Filipinos
particularly those in poor communities. Among the impacts are the following:
✓ Tobacco use has long been found to be a major contributor to heart attacks, cancers, strokes,
and pulmonary diseases.
✓ Studies have also shown that smokers have shorter lifespans than nonsmokers, making them
more susceptible to diseases than people who do not smoke.

C. DANGEROUS DRUG USE AND ADDICTION

There are many possible risks and dangers involved when using drugs. People may experience problems
with drug use because of other people’s perceptions and responses to them. This may include conflict in
family and other personal relationships, getting thrown out of school/college or work, getting a criminal
record, getting in debt to pay for drugs, violence with drug dealing, etc.

Drug abuse is a major health problem that impacts the family and society on multiple levels.
Here are some problems that may arise because of drug use:
✓ A problem in school. Frequently missing classes in school resulting in low grades or dropouts.
✓ Physical health issues. Lack of interest in grooming.
✓ Neglected appearance.
✓ Changes in behavior. Drastic changes behavior and relationships with family and friends suffer.
✓ Spending too much money. Increase demand for money without explanations for its use.

D. CONSUMERISM
In the 21st century’s globalized economy, consumerism has become a noticeable part of the culture.
Critics of the phenomenon not only criticized it for what is not environmentally sustainable but also for
the spread of consumerism in cultural aspects.

Consumers and patients need to become more involved in their health. They need to know their plan
options and what they cost, have a reason to care, and be rewarded to adopt healthier lifestyles.
Consumerism can be appreciated in economics since the standard of living is valued by one’s material
possessions. Its impacts are the following:
✓ More health goods and services available
✓ A variety of health goods and services to choose from
✓ More comforts for a better lifestyle.

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Material prosperity may be there in consumerism but it has its negative effects on the people and society
at large. Among these are the following:
✓ One is in a rat race to earn more and is forced to cope with stress and other work-related tensions.
✓ Personal relationships get affected as people are busy trying to earn more to maintain their
standard of living.
✓ Consumerism results in ecological imbalances. Global warming results in health problems.
Industrial pollution is affecting people in many ways.
✓ People’s lifestyles change to one that is less active and unhealthy resulting in higher risks of
NCDs.

E. ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH

The current environmental concerns represent a considerable measure of danger to the well-being of
people and other creatures. Dirty water is one of the greatest dangers of the world and poses a risk to
the health and lifespan of people.
Environmental change has different destructive impacts that include but are not limited to, the melting of
polar ice, change in season, emergence of new sicknesses, and change in general climate situation.

F. TRADITIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Complementary and alternative medicines are increasingly used to diagnose and treat allergic diseases,
and numerous studies have reported the benefits of this type of medicine.
However, there are also disadvantages to using traditional medicine. This includes the following:
✓ Organ toxicity has been observed associated with herbal preparations involving the kidney, liver,
and heart.
✓ Some herbs may have cancerogenic properties.
✓ In addition to patient safety issues, there is the risk that a growing herbal market and its great
commercial benefit might pose a threat to biodiversity through the over-harvesting of new material
for herbal medicines and other natural health care products. This may lead to the extinction of
endangered species and the destruction of natural habitats and resources.
✓ Severe nutritional deficiencies can occur in infants and children given strict diets.

G. HIV/AIDS
According to the National Youth Commission, there is an unprecedented spike in HIV infection among
the youth. HIV/AIDS is one of the most urgent concerns facing the Filipino youth today. The effects of
HIV/AIDS on the health of families and society are devastating. The majority of the population that is
most affected is the young adults, leaving behind a generation of children who are growing up without
the love and care of their parents.

HIV/AIDS may have an impact on the following:

✓ Declining life expectancy: HIV/AIDS has a powerful impact on other epidemics like malaria,
tuberculosis
✓ Stigma and discrimination: the victim feels shame and this feeling affects the care available to
them and their families making it more difficult for many to access income and support.
✓ Family life and relationship: this includes the loss of parents’ affection, support, and health
attention to the children. This also includes the negative attitudes toward those infected or
suspected of being infected with HIV and those affected by AIDS by association, such as orphans
or the children and families of people living with AIDS.
✓ Family/Community income: the victim finds it difficult to be accepted for employment due to the
stigma and discrimination against them. The added health care for them is an added burden to
the family and society. AIDS tends to affect the poor more heavily than other population groups.
✓ HIV/AIDS affects education: Those living with someone suffering from HIV/AIDS are likely to be
able to attend school or miss school as they are caring for their sick parents.

H. ROAD SAFETY
Road safety activity can improve health and prevent diseases in other ways. It has been inseparable from
the aim of preventing injuries. How road safety activities fit into the wider picture is, therefore, an important
consideration. Road noise can increase the risk of heart disease and sleep disturbance, as well as cause
cognitive impairment in children and general annoyance. Safety is an important consideration that affects
how people decide to travel. The actions of the road safety and highways department can support several
wider health concerns.

I. CYBERCRIME
Nowadays, the worst fear in a teenager’s eyes is cyberbullying. It is becoming an alarming trend in
society. It is the fear of receiving threats, negative comments, or negative pictures from other people.
The victim loses safety, peace, money, and property.
This also causes an emotional impact. A study that examines the emotional impact of cybercrime, shows
that the victims’ strongest reactions are feeling angry, annoyed, and cheated, and in many cases blaming
themselves for being attacked.

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Teens spend hours online every day, on computers or personal electronic devices. This can increase the
chances of experiencing cybercrime.
Cyberbullying is a negative effect of online communication between youth. Victims often experience
rumors and lies spread on online social networks. Bullies post inappropriate or embarrassing pictures of
their victims. They may also use mean text messages as harassment. Teens are warned from posting
suggestive photos online and talking to strangers in chat rooms.

J. PORNOGRAPHY
Research suggests that exposure to the presentation of pornography may result in the following:
✓ Pornography promotes violence against women and it promotes male dominance. It also
develops an increased callousness towards women and it trivializes rape as a criminal offense.
✓ There is a growing prostitution problem in developing countries, a problem inextricably intertwined
with sex tourism. This develops distorted perceptions about sexuality. Adult pornography often
contains child abuse themes like cybersex among children and father/daughter scenarios, etc…
✓ Watching sexual videos develops an appetite for more violent types of pornography.
✓ Pornography devaluates the importance of monogamy and it decreases confidence in marriage
as a lasting institution.
✓ This gives the notion that non-monogamous relationships are normal and natural behavior.

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT 2:
Which do you consider the most pressing health concern? Why?
Research two new health trends and issues and explain their impacts on the Filipino family.

LESSON 3: WAYS OF MANAGING HEALTH TRENDS, ISSUES AND CONCERNS

A. FAMILY PLANNING/CONTRACEPTION
It is a nationally mandated priority of the public health program to attain the country’s national health
development- a health intervention program and an important tool for the improvement of the health and
welfare of mothers, children, and other members of the family. It also provides information and services
for couples of reproductive age to plan their family according to their beliefs and circumstances through
legally and medically acceptable family planning methods.
The calendar rhythm method of natural family planning is one of the most popular contraceptive methods
in the Philippines.

B. TOBACCO USE AND ABUSE

The youth should be educated on the ill effects of smoking and secondhand smoke. The youth should
be discouraged from being smokers themselves with the adults kicking the habit themselves. After all, it
is never too late, and no one is ever too young or old to say NO to smoking and YES to a healthy lifestyle.
The following are considered to be the most significant goals and challenges of tobacco control in the
Philippines:
✓ Raise taxes and prices of tobacco
✓ Protect people from tobacco smoke
✓ Offer help to quit tobacco use
✓ Warn people about the dangers of tobacco
✓ Develop coordination and implementation mechanisms: The National Center for Disease
Prevention and Control (NCDPC) was assigned as the coordinating unit for tobacco control by
the DOH in 2007.
✓ Sustain monitoring and evaluation efforts
✓ Enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship (TAPS)

C. DANGEROUS DRUG ABUSE AND ADDICTION

An interagency task force, spearheaded by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG),
includes the Department of Health, the Department of Social Welfare (DSWD), the Technical Skills and
Development Authority (TESDA), the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), and Philippine National Police
(PNP) collaboratively manage the drug addiction concern in the country.
Drug users will first be profiled by the DOH to determine who among them are experimental, occasional,
or heavily compulsive users and drug dependents. This will help authorities in determining the suitable
treatment for each one, which may be a center-based or community-based rehabilitation program.

D. CONSUMERISM
Some steps we can take to release ourselves from the grip of consumerism and start living the lives we
want.
✓ Exercise intellectual independence: know your rights and defend yourself from unwanted external
pressure. Ignore advertising. Do not allow it to catch your attention and take much of your time
and energy.

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 ✓ Consume less, live more: live simply so others may simply live. Reduce your level of consumption,
care less about materialism, focus your attention and time on things that matter, and lead a more
sustainable lifestyle and fair future for all.

E. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND CONCERNS

The Philippines’ commitment to addressing environmental issues is manifested by its support of the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) and the Kyoto Protocol.
The Philippines passed and implemented national measures that advance the agenda of environmental
preservation. Among the major legislations enacted were:
✓ The Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (RA 8749) moves for an effective air quality management
program.
✓ The Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997 (RA 8435) which establishes the
Department of Agriculture together with other appropriate agencies, should take into account
climate change, weather disturbances, and annual productivity cycles to forecast and formulate
appropriate agricultural and fisheries programs.
✓ Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003) aimed at providing a comprehensive
solution to the country’s garbage problem.
✓ The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (RA 9275) moves for a comprehensive water quality
management scheme.
✓ The National Framework Strategy on Climate Change 2010-2022 drafted by the Philippine
Climate Change Commission (PCCC) is committed to ensuring and strengthening the adaptation
of our natural ecosystems and human communities to climate change.

F. TRADITIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

In the Philippine context, many do not just limit themselves to conventional medicine. Instead, some go
for alternatives while others do both. Meanwhile, traditional medicine advocates continue to search,
discover, and develop ways to cure illnesses.
The number one cure for MALARIA comes from the medicine herb, Quinine, a drug made from the bark
of the Cinchona tree. Quinine is the number one recommended drug for Malaria by the WHO. These
trees grow abundantly in Mindanao.

G. HIV/AIDS
Here are some specific efforts on a national level in the management of HIV/AIDS:
✓ The DOH’s establishment of the National AIDS and STD Prevention and Control Program.
✓ The provision of treatment, care, and support through DOH medical centers.
✓ The DSWD’s provision of alternative parental care to children abandoned/neglected by persons
with HIV/AIDS.
✓ The Department of Education has developed HIV/AIDS modules into the school curriculum.
✓ The Department of Labor and Employment conducts workplace education on HIV/AIDS and
observance of nondiscrimination and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration
conducts pre-departure seminars for overseas workers.

H. BLOOD SERVICES
The youth needs to realize the importance of blood donation in saving the lives of millions of Filipinos.
Republic Act No. 7719, also known as the National Blood Services Act of 1994, promotes voluntary blood
donation to provide a sufficient supply of safe blood and to regulate blood banks. This act claims to
inculcate public awareness that blood donation is a humanitarian act.

The Philippine Red Cross National Blood Services is one of the major suppliers of blood in the country.
The Philippine Red Cross is tasked to provide safe and quality blood through its active role in advocacy,
promotion of blood donation, donor recruitment, blood collection, testing, and blood issuance through its
network of 82 service facilities nationwide.

The National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP) of the DOH is targeting the youth as volunteers
in its blood donation program.

I. ROAD SAFETY
Road Accident is a global problem needing urgent action. Various policies have been crafted in the
Philippines to keep road users safe. Among them are:
1. Speed Limits
✓ The Land of Transportation Office and the Traffic Code (RA 4136) mandate allowable speed limits
on open country roads, and city and municipal streets, among others. It also imposes sanctions
on reckless driving.
✓ The Road Speed Limiter Act of 2016 (RA 10916) prohibits public utility vehicles, closed vans,
cargo trailers, shuttle services, or tanker trucks from going to roads without a standard speed
limiter approved by the Department of Transportation.

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2. Use of Seat Belts
✓ The Seat Belt Use Act of 1999 (RA 8750) requires the drivers and the front seat passengers of
public and private vehicles while inside the moving vehicle.
✓ It also prohibits infants and children below 6 y/o from sitting in the front seat of any running motor.

3. Distracted Driving
✓ The Anti-Distracted Driving Act of 2016 (RA 10913) bans motorists from “using a mobile
communication device to write, send or read a text-based communication or to make or receive
calls, “ and using an electronic entertainment or computing device to play games, watch movies,
surf the internet, compose messages, read e-books, perform calculations” while the vehicle is in
motion or stopped at a red traffic light.

4. Drunk and drugged driving

✓ The Anti-drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 (RA 10586) prohibits driving under the influence
of alcohol, dangerous drugs, or other inebriating substances. Motorists undergo sobriety tests
and have blood alcohol content (BAC) levels assessed. Those with a BAC level above the
allowable limit will have their license confiscated.

5. Motorcycle safety
✓ The Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009 (RA 10054) requires motorcycle drivers and back riders to
wear standard motorcycle helmets on the road to prevent life-threatening crashes.
✓ Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015 (RA 10666) allows children who can comfortably
reach their feet on the standard foot peg of the motorcycle and grasp the waist of the driver to
ride motorcycles. The child also has to wear a helmet.

J. PORNOGRAPHY
Republic Act No. of 9775, an act defining the crime of child pornography, prescribes penalties thereof
and for other purposes. Rather than just educating kids about how to deal with pornography that they
encounter, we need to change the visual environment completely so that they do not encounter it. We
need to create a safe society where it is easy to grow up healthy.

K. CYBERCRIME
The Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175) aims to address legal issues concerning online
interactions and the internet in the Philippines. Among these crimes are cybersquatting, cybersex, child
pornography, identity theft, illegal access to data, and libel.

DO’S AND DON’TS OF INTERNET SURFING

DO’s DON’Ts
Set the privacy setting to the most secure setting Post any information that would let someone know
available. that your house is empty.

Most social networking sites offer ways to restrict Posting about being out of town for a few days
access to make sure information is being shared could make someone a likely target of thieves.
only with friends and not the internet at large.
Follow the “front page rule” which reminds social
Make a unique password for every social site. media users not to report anything they would not
want to see on the front page of a newspaper.
Having strong, unique passwords for each site
helps prevent hackers from taking over social Click on links that may appear to be unusual or
media accounts. suspicious.

Remember that superiors also have social media Likewise, don’t click links sent through spam
accounts. email, these could launch malicious software or
viruses that could damage a computer.
Employers, school, and university administrators
often check Facebook, Twitter, and other social Post any information that can lead hackers to
media sites for information posted online. passwords for online banking or other accounts.

Be selective about what is accepted as a “friend” For example, common questions for those who
or “follower.” have forgotten their passwords like “What is your
mother’s maiden name?”
Identity thieves can easily create fake profiles to
obtain personal information that might otherwise
have been private.

Assume that status, updates, photos, and videos

posted on social networks are permanent.

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 Just because a profile is deleted or information is
removed, anyone on a computer can print text or
photos or save items to a computer.

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT 3
If you were to initiate and manage a particular health issue/concern, what would it be and why?
Do you think the government and its local units manage health issues effectively? Justify your
answer.

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