THE DEPARTMENT of Education office in Region 6 is investigating the food poisoning incident at the Pili National High School in Ajuy, Iloilo on November 4, 2022, which led to the death of one student and the hospitalization of 15 others.

Four DepEd personnel were among the victims.

In a statement, DepEd Region 6 said that based on the incident report from the Schools Division of Iloilo, the students and their adviser ate the food brought by the former for lunch.

“On Saturday, November 5, 2022, 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,” the report said.

“The deceased learner was first brought to Sara District Hospital and was advised to be admitted but refused 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,” the DepEd regional office added.

The school coordinated with the Rural Health Unit of Ajuy to address the needs of the affected learners and personnel.

The local government unit has pledged to shoulder the hospital bill of the victims and extend financial assistance to the family of the student who died.