Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Philippines | October 14, 2025— In observance of Global Handwashing Day, the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) of South Cotabato underscored the importance of proper and consistent handwashing as one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent diseases.
Eldon Serame, Health Education and Promotion Officer (HEPO), led the activity and reminded everyone that while handwashing seems like a small act, it plays a major role in keeping individuals and communities healthy.
“Handwashing is a simple act, but it’s a big task for us,” Serame said.
Serame emphasized, “It’s not just about putting our hands in running water. We must follow the proper handwashing technique to effectively prevent illnesses.”
Serame demonstrated the seven steps of proper handwashing, which include wetting the hands with clean running water, applying soap, rubbing palm to palm, cleaning the back of the hands, interlacing the fingers, rotating the thumbs, rubbing fingertips on the opposite palm, and washing the wrists.
He added that proper handwashing should last between 40 to 60 seconds to ensure germs are completely removed.
According to health authorities, improper or infrequent handwashing can lead to the spread of several infectious diseases, including diarrhea, respiratory infections, influenza, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, and even COVID-19.
“These illnesses are commonly transmitted through unclean hands that touch the mouth, nose, eyes, or food,” he said.
The Provincial Government of South Cotabato, through the IPHO, continues to promote health education activities aligned with its advocacy of delivering Tama kag Maayong Serbisyo to the people.
“Through simple practices like proper handwashing, we can protect ourselves, our families, and our communities,” Serame emphasized.
