DepEd seeks investigation on food poisoning incident

The Department of Education Region 6 said that it would investigate the food poisoning incident at Pili National High School, Ajuy, Iloilo on 4 November, which led to the death of one student and the hospitalization of 15 students and four DepEd personnel.

"Based on the incident report from the Schools Division of Iloilo, the learners together with their adviser had lunch in their classroom where students brought a variety of food," DepEd Region 6 said.

"On Saturday, 5 November, some learners experienced stomach ache and vomiting. They were immediately rushed to Barotac Viejo District Hospital where they were hydrated and started on IV antibiotics," it added.

DepEd Region 6 said the deceased student was first brought to Sara District Hospital and was advised to be admitted but refused to do so and went home.

"A few hours later, the learner's condition got worse, and was rushed to Barotac Viejo District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival," it said.

The school, together with the Schools Division Office of Iloilo, is currently in coordination with the Rural Health Unit of Ajuy to address the needs of the affected learners and personnel and to conduct further investigation on the case.