By Glen Andrea Omandam
The Silliman University Student Government (SUSG) Health Emergency Response Team (HERT) improved sanitation and hygiene protocols to combat conjunctivitis or ‘sore eyes,’ during this year’s Hibalag Booth Festival.
HERT Vice Chairperson Althea Lyzza Tabiliran said the risk of transmission increases due to prolonged contact in large crowds and shared surfaces.
“The recent cases have indeed prompted HERT to introduce supplementary measures that go beyond our typical Hibalag preparations.” Tabilaran said.
She said HERT is taking “a more proactive approach” by reinforcing hygiene standards across the venue, ensuring better access to sanitation facilities, strengthening information campaigns, and conducting routine monitoring throughout the event.
“We are also making sure every booth complies with sanitation standards, that alcohol stations are accessible, and that informational posters are placed at the entrances of the Hibalag grounds,” Tabiliran said.
The HERT vice chairperson also said students who develop symptoms inside the Hibalag grounds are advised to proceed to the HERT headquarters beside the main stage for assessment and first aid.
“We will maintain open lines of communication throughout the entire duration of Hibalag to ensure a seamless flow of information regarding any reported or suspected cases,” she said.
HERT partnered with the Red Cross Youth and SUSG Health Committee as a form of “centralization” to deploy volunteers at the Hibalag grounds, issue health guidelines, and conduct daily sanitation checks among food vendors.
“As part of our booth compliance measures, we will be requiring that every booth have an accessible alcohol sanitizer station,” she said.
Moreover, according to the data from the Provincial Health Office, Dumaguete City recorded more than 3,000 conjunctivitis cases by Aug. 7, contributing to a total 7,978 cases across the region.
Tabiliran urged students to assess their health before entering the Hibalag grounds and seek medical consultation if they experience symptoms.
“HERT’s primary concern is the volume of attendees and the communal nature of Hibalag. Ultimately, we need to remember that celebrating the Founders’ Week together means protecting each other,” Tabiliran said.
The Silliman University Medical Center (SUMC) and the Silliman University Junior High School (SUJHS) uploaded posters online reminding students amid large crowds to practice proper hand hygiene, refrain from sharing personal items, and to stay home when symptomatic.
