Tayabas City, Sariaya jointly host snakebite awareness seminar

By Rowena Cruz Tayabas City and Sariaya officials partnered to host a Snakebite Awareness Seminar recently at M.I. Sevilla Resort, equippin...

By Rowena Cruz

Tayabas City and Sariaya officials partnered to host a Snakebite Awareness Seminar recently at M.I. Sevilla Resort, equipping participants with vital knowledge to prevent and respond to snakebites. (Tayabas City Environment and Natural Resources Office)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon – Snakebite envenoming poses a significant public health threat in the Philippines, with an estimated 13,377 snakebite incidents occurring annually, resulting in a staggering 550 associated deaths. This critical public health concern underscores the urgent need for effective prevention and management strategies.

To address this, the Sariaya Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) held a recent Snake Awareness and Snake Bite Management Seminar in partnership with the Tayabas City Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO).



The seminar, conducted at M.I. Sevilla Resort in Barangay Isabang, Lucena City, brought together over 50 MDRRMO personnel. The training aimed to enhance participants' understanding of snake species, their behavior, and appropriate first aid responses to snakebites.

Led by Daryl Pabularcon, SEMS, and Forest Rangers Cristian Javin and Arnel Sambajon from the Tayabas City ENRO, the seminar covered a comprehensive range of topics, including snake identification with a focus on recognizing locally prevalent species.

Beyond species identification, the seminar delved into understanding snake behavior to minimize human-snake encounters and prevent bites. This included discussions on snake ecology, habitat preferences, and seasonal activity patterns.

Crucially, the seminar provided participants with essential first aid training for snakebites. The training emphasized the importance of proper immobilization techniques to slow the spread of venom and the absolute necessity of seeking immediate medical attention at a healthcare facility equipped to treat snakebites. Participants were specifically instructed against using tourniquets, as these can worsen tissue damage and may not effectively stop venom circulation.

"This seminar empowers communities by providing individuals with the essential knowledge to understand and mitigate the risks associated with snakebites," stated Daryl Pabularcon, SEMS.

This enhanced understanding equips individuals with the tools to make informed decisions and take proactive steps to prevent snakebites, ultimately fostering a more harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife in the region.

Building upon this foundation of knowledge, Pabularcon continued, "This knowledge empowers communities to make informed decisions and take proactive steps to prevent snakebites, ultimately fostering a more harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife in the region."

Recognizing the broader ecological context, the seminar highlighted the importance of preserving snake habitats and the legal and ethical implications of harming or capturing wildlife. Participants were educated on the provisions of Republic Act No. 9147, the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001, which prohibits the hunting, collection, and ownership of any wildlife species.

The seminar stressed that prompt medical attention is crucial for optimal treatment outcomes and can significantly improve the chances of a full recovery. Envenomation can have severe consequences, including localized pain and swelling, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.

In addition to medical preparedness, the seminar stressed the importance of habitat preservation and the role of responsible human behavior in minimizing the risk of snake encounters. Participants were encouraged to avoid walking in tall grass or dense vegetation, to wear appropriate footwear when outdoors, and to exercise caution when handling firewood or gardening tools.