The Department of Health – Ilocos Center for Health Development (DOH–Ilocos CHD), through its Health Promotion Unit, formally launched the World Environmental Health Day 2025 on October 21 at the University of Northern Philippines Gymnasium. The event highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in promoting a healthier, safer, and more sustainable environment.
The celebration gathered health professionals from the DOH Regional Office and hospitals across Region I, local government officials, and members of the UNP academic community, including University President Dr. Erwin Cadorna, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Rolando Navarro, and students from the Bachelor of Science in Sanitary Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science programs.
To kick off the event, students participated in an interactive game featuring various booths hosted by DOH Region I hospitals. Each booth offered engaging activities that highlighted environmental health awareness and the role of health institutions in environmental protection.
Mr. Jester Singson, Secretary to the Governor, delivered the welcome message on behalf of Hon. Jeremias “Jerry” Singson, extending the province’s warm hospitality to participants and emphasizing Ilocos Sur’s ongoing environmental initiatives.
DOH–Ilocos CHD Regional Director Dr. Paula Paz Sydiongco followed with her opening remarks, where she stressed the significance of the occasion in raising awareness on the intersection of health and environment. She called for continued collaboration among stakeholders to address climate-related health issues and promote sustainable community practices.
Vigan City Mayor Hon. Randolf “Randy” Singson also conveyed his message of support, commending the DOH and UNP for organizing a platform that strengthens local advocacy for environmental health.
In a recorded message, Ms. Melody Melo-Rijik, Regional Climate and Health Manager of Health Care Without Harm Southeast Asia, expressed her strong support for the initiative, highlighting the vital role of health institutions in environmental stewardship.
During the ceremony, UNP President Dr. Erwin Cadorna, together with VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Rolando Navarro, formally accepted the site installation on behalf of the university. The turnover symbolized the strong collaboration between UNP and the Department of Health – Ilocos Center for Health Development in advancing environmental health and public awareness initiatives within the region.
In his message, Dr. Cadorna conveyed his deep gratitude to DOH–Ilocos CHD for its continued partnership and generous support in the promotion of health consciousness, environmental stewardship, and sustainable practices among students and the local community. He highlighted the significance of such initiatives in nurturing a culture of responsibility toward both human and environmental well-being.
Dr. Cadorna also reaffirmed UNP’s commitment to actively support the programs of the Department of Health, particularly those that align with the University’s advocacy for sustainability and holistic development. He emphasized that UNP will continue to integrate environmental and health education into its academic, research, and extension services to contribute meaningfully to the goals of public health and sustainable development in the Ilocos Region.
Adding a vibrant and creative dimension to the celebration, the Thrash on Show became one of the most anticipated highlights of the event. The competition featured ten talented candidates who confidently showcased eco-inspired attires ingeniously crafted from recycled, repurposed, and sustainable materials. Each creation embodied both fashion and advocacy, reflecting the participants’ commitment to environmental protection and creative expression.
The top three designs stood out for their originality, craftsmanship, and strong environmental message, earning major awards and cash prizes. Meanwhile, the remaining contestants were recognized with consolation prizes as a testament to their creativity and participation. Notably, from the six other entries that did not advance to the top ten, one designer received a special consolation award for exceptional innovation and artistry, further emphasizing the competition’s goal of promoting eco-consciousness through creative design.
The segment not only enlivened the event with color and flair but also inspired the audience to appreciate the value of recycling and sustainability in everyday life.
As the event concluded, certificates of appreciation and tokens were presented to the DOH hospitals and teams that contributed to the success of the activity: Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center, led by Mrs. Aimee Baguio, Health Education and Promotion Officer III; Ilocos Sur Medical Center, led by Dr. Joseph Pascua, Head – Public Health Unit; Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center, led by Dr. Irene Veron Chico, Assistant Head – Public Health Unit; Region 1 Medical Center, led by Dr. Merliza Estaris, Head – Public Health Unit; Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, led by Dr. Honey Tila, Head – Public Health Unit; and Conrado F. Estrella Regional Medical and Trauma Center, led by Dr. Erian Pagaduan, Head – Public Health Unit
The launching of World Environmental Health Day 2025 not only celebrated the efforts of the DOH and UNP but also reinforced a shared commitment to environmental awareness, sustainable health practices, and inter-agency cooperation for a healthier tomorrow.
The Department of Health – Ilocos Center for Health Development through the Health Promotion Unit held the launching of World Environmental Health Day 2025 at the University of Northern Philippines gymnasium on October 21.
The activity was attended by health professionals from DOH Regional Office and hospitals, some local government officials, and UNP President Dr. Erwin Cadorna, VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Rolando Navarro, and Bachelor of Science in Sanitary Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science students.
The event stated with an interactive game where students were assigned to different booths provided by Region 1 DOH hospitals. Each of the booths facilitated different games.
During the program, Mr. Jester Singson, Secretary of Governor and representing Hon. Jeremias “Jerry” Singson, welcomed the participants to the province of Ilocos Sur.
On the other hand, Dr. Paula Paz M. Sydiongco, Regional Director of Department of Health – Ilocos Center for Health Development, delivered her opening remarks where she talked on the importance of the event.
Hon. Randolf “Randy” Singson, Vigan City Mayor, gave his message of support.
Ms. Melody Melo-Rijik, Regional Climate and Health Manager, Health Care Without Harm SEA also gave her message of support viewed by the live audience though her recorded video.
Dr. Cadorna and Dr. Navarro received this site installation on behalf of the University of Northern Philippines. Dr. Cadorna, in his message, thanked the DOH for the facilities and assured the continuous support to the programs of the agency.
Following the program was a Thrash on Show where 10 candidates displayed their attires. Three of them bagged the major awards with cash prizes. Non-winning candidates received consolation prizes. There were six other entries that did not make it to the top 10. But one of the designers of the gowns were incentivized with a consolation prize.
In closing, certificates of appreciation and tokens were given to the DOH Hospitals – Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center led by Mrs. Aimee Baguio, Health Education and Promotion Officer III and team; Ilocos Sur Medical Center led Dr. Joseph Pascua, Head – Public Health Unit and his team; Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center led by Dr. Irene Veron Chico, Assistant Head – Public Health Unit and team; Region 1 Medical Center led by Dr. Merliza Estaris, Head – Public Health Unit and her team, Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center led by Dr. Honey Tila, Head – Public Health Unit, and her team; and Conrado F. Estrella Regional Medical and Trauma Center led by Dr. Erian Pagaduan, Head – Public Health Unit, and her team.
Photos by Joel Tipon.
