KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato- November 7, 2025— Even as influenza continues to sweep across parts of Mindanao, South Cotabato stands as a picture of quiet resilience.
The Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU) of South Cotabato reported a 3% decline in influenza-like illness (ILI) cases from January to October 25, 2025 , a sign that the province’s public health response remains firm and effective.
A total of 3,182 ILI cases were recorded during the period, slightly lower than the 3,280 cases logged in 2024. While the reduction may seem modest, health experts emphasize what lies beneath the numbers , a sustained, community-driven effort that has prevented any influenza-related deaths this year.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Conrado M. Braña Jr. lauded the province’s network of rural health units, barangay health stations, and surveillance teams for their vigilance.
The report showed that children aged 0–9 years remain the most affected group, accounting for 55% of all cases, with the Municipality of T’boli posting the highest total at 657 cases or 21% of all infections.
Other areas such as Surallah (579 cases) and Santo Niño (264 cases) also reported increases, attributed to improved detection and community-level reporting.
According to PESU, clustering of cases was observed in several barangays across 10 municipalities, including Surallah, Norala, Tampakan, and Polomolok.
However, these clusters remained below the epidemic threshold due to timely reporting and containment strategies.
The bulletin noted that influenza cases peaked twice this year —, early in the first quarter and again around Morbidity Weeks 35–37, consistent with seasonal trends.
Despite the variation in influenza, South Cotabato has stayed below its epidemic threshold for most of 2025.
The health office continues to urge residents to practice preventive measures such as wearing masks, maintaining good hygiene, and seeking medical care at the first signs of fever and cough.
Beyond statistics, the report paints a hopeful picture of communities learning to adapt, parents becoming first responders at home, and health workers bridging the gap between the barangay and the province.
In a time when the flu remains a persistent public health challenge, South Cotabato’s strength lies not just in numbers — but in its people’s readiness to respond, Braña added.
