By I. Inojales | 10:08 PM July 16, 2025
TAGBILARAN CITY, BOHOL — The provincial government of Bohol has responded to an open letter from Shiela Taghap, which raised urgent concerns about snakebite incidents in the province, especially involving cobras.
In a public reply issued this week, the provincial government expressed its gratitude for the letter, saying it welcomes feedback that brings attention to pressing issues and offers constructive solutions. “We put a premium on what the people are saying,” the statement read, adding that it is the people who best understand their problems and potential solutions, and it is the role of public officials to listen and act accordingly.
Snakebites, particularly from cobra species, have emerged as a significant public health concern in Bohol. The provincial government acknowledged that the death of a child from a cobra bite last year was a turning point. “The death of one is one death too many, especially if it is of a loved one,” the statement said.
In response, Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado directed the immediate prepositioning of antivenom supplies in strategic provincial hospitals. Currently, antivenoms for the three local cobra species are available at the Department of Health-retained Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center in Tagbilaran City and Don Emilio Del Valle Memorial Hospital in Ubay.
To further expand accessibility, the province aims to stock antivenoms in four province-run hospitals in Talibon, Carmen, Loon, and Jagna. The Provincial Health Office has already coordinated with the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) to secure supply, training, and technical support. The response emphasized that while antivenoms are crucial, handling them involves strict toxicological protocols.
“Antivenoms remain the only specific treatment that can potentially prevent or reverse most of the effects of snakebite envenoming when administered early,” the statement noted, emphasizing the goal of making the antidote accessible within one hour from the time of a bite. This is based on studies showing that symptoms typically manifest within that timeframe.
Beyond medical response, the provincial government has also launched the Snake Bite Management and Prevention Program under the Provincial Health Office. The program aims to raise awareness in communities, train healthcare workers, and mobilize city, municipal, and barangay LGUs to help mitigate and manage snakebite incidents.
The program will include education campaigns, partnerships with stakeholders, and sustained resource mobilization to ensure readiness and response at all levels.
The provincial government assured the public that Ms. Taghap’s concerns have been heard and her suggestions would be taken into account for future planning and policymaking.
“We are committed to working hand in hand with communities to protect the health and lives of our fellow Boholanos,” the statement concluded.
