05/10/2026
The Municipality of Atok has officially received the SHANUM Package from the Department of Health, a vital component under the SHANUM Initiatives developed from the 2025 Policy Brief by the CHD CAR Team (Ms. Melanie June Pucay, Engr. Julius Solano, and Mr. Puely Copero) to strengthen drinking water quality surveillance.
The package equips the LGU with tools to conduct water sampling and testing, identify potential sources of contamination, promote household water treatment and safe storage practices, and facilitate timely preventive and corrective actions. It includes a Drinking Water Testing Kit (portable incubator, UV light, UV cabinet), water sampling kits, microbiological reagents, sampling bottles, water disinfectants, LDWQMC manuals, Philippine National Standard for Drinking Water (PNSDW) manuals, and SBCC materials.
Designed for a continuous cycle of surveillance and health promotion, the SHANUM Package enables the LGU to detect water quality concerns and implement appropriate interventions. The materials and disinfectants further support communityโlevel health education through the WASH and LEARN initiative (Learning Engagement and Action to Reinforce and Nurture a healthier community through safe WASH practices).
The package will also assist the Local Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Committee (LDWQMC) in developing and implementing a Local Drinking Water Quality Surveillance Program. This program addresses gaps in water supply infrastructure, governance, testing resources, and risks associated with waterborne diseases. Using surveillance data, the committee can progressively establish Water Safety Plans (WSPs) for local water sources, ensuring the delivery of safe drinking water to Atok communities.
๐คณjcb
