South Cotabato, Philippines | December 04, 2025 – The latest disease surveillance report of the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital–Outpatient Department (SCPH-OPD), covering January to October 2025, offers a revealing picture of the daily lifestyle and health habits of South Cotabateños—long before any holiday celebration begins.
Dr. Ana Marie Tuburan, OPD Department Chief, said lifestyle-related illnesses continue to be a major concern.
“Our numbers show a pattern: many of these illnesses can be avoided.”
We encourage families to build healthier routines now rather than wait for symptoms to appear,” Dr. Tuburan emphasized.
Hypertension (2,201 cases) and Diabetes Mellitus (1,778 cases) rank among the most common OPD consultations, conditions influenced by regular eating patterns, stress levels, and the typical food culture embedded in South Cotabateño households.
From high-sodium dishes to sugary beverages, these illnesses reflect habits practiced every day, not just during special occasions.
Other cases, such as Chronic Kidney Disease (563) and Urinary Tract Infection (66), highlight hydration issues and inconsistent health practices.
In an interview, Dr. Tuburan stressed that the numbers tell a broader story, one rooted in lifestyle.
“These cases are not random. They reflect how we live, how we manage our time, how we eat, how we care for our pets, and how we prioritize our health,” Dr. Tuburan said.
Dr. Tuburan said the hospital is doing everything it can, but health starts at home, long before patients reach our doors.”
She added that the OPD continues to strengthen its services, but community participation remains key.
“We encourage everyone to take small but consistent steps,” she said.
However, the data shows animal bites topping the OPD list with 36,243 consultations.
Health officials noted that this trend is tied to the province’s everyday routines: communities with active outdoor lifestyles, close interactions with pets and farm animals, and household environments where animals roam freely.
For many families, tending to livestock or raising pets is part of daily life, but the high number of bite cases shows the risks that come with it.
The report reaffirms the government’s efforts to boost public health campaigns, improve community education, and promote responssible pet ownership.
As South Cotabateños go through their daily routines, health leaders remind them that wellness is shaped by everyday decisions, and those choices can either prevent disease or make communities more vulnerable.
“The data is a wake-up call. Many of the illnesses we treat every day could have been prevented with healthier habits,” Dr. Tuburan warned.
