THE Department of Education (DepEd) in Davao Region said it will strengthen the hygienic measures in all school feeding programs after the incident of 123 students from Davao Oriental experienced stomach aches following the intake of a ferrous sulfate supplement last Tuesday, July 11.
DepEd-Davao Director Alberto Escobarte said though the initial investigation of the incident revealed that the stomach pain felt by the students was a reaction to the supplement, authorities must also look into the preparation of the arrozcaldo fed to the students prior to the supplement intake.
Escobarte said the agency will not put on hold the giving of ferrous sulfate in all the coming feeding programs in the region. Thus, he said they will ensure that the food served is well-prepared and that all students have eaten prior the supplement intake.
In an interview with the Davao City Health Office head Dr. Josephine Villafuerte, she said ferrous sulfate tablets usually have a reaction to the individual especially when the person did not eat a meal prior to the intake of the supplement.
"Taking ferrous sulfate supplements has side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and acid refluxes especially on an empty stomach," Villafuerte said.
Escobarte said DepEd-Davao and the Department of Health (DOH)-Davao will probe the incident in Davao Oriental to assess the lapses and avoid its occurrence on other feeding programs in the region.
"We want to assure the public that our feeding programs are safe yet we have to ensure the cleanliness and sanitation of the preparation of the food as well as the proper implementation of our program to ensure that every correct step is taken on every child," he said.