Iloilo City - In an effort to sustain the reduced incidence of dengue, the Iloilo City government is intensifying its ongoing cleanup initiatives, with activities designed to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
According to Philippines News Agency, the city's proactive measures appear to be effective as current dengue cases remain minimal. "So far, I think we are doing the correct thing. The cases of dengue in the city are very minimal," stated Treñas, attributing the success to the regular cleanup and gardening activities held every Saturday. Dr. Roland Jay Fortuna, assistant head of the City Health Office, reported a decline in dengue cases from 356 cases and three deaths in the same period last year to 215 cases with no fatalities from January to July 6 this year.
Despite the encouraging figures, Fortuna warned that dengue cases typically rise from July to September. However, he noted that since the initiation of the cleanup drive in 2019, Iloilo City has avoided any major dengue outbreaks for the last five years. To ensure continued vigilance, Treñas has issued an executive order urging communities to maintain their efforts in the cleanup drive. "We continue to campaign because mosquitoes have no boundaries. We have to be vigilant," he added.
The local government is also undertaking regular misting operations in areas identified as potential mosquito breeding grounds. With the upcoming school year beginning on July 29, schools have acquired misting equipment and chemicals to prepare for the return of students.
As an additional motivator, Mayor Treñas announced plans to award prizes to the cleanest and greenest villages at year's end, providing further incentive for community involvement in the city's public health initiatives.