Talisay dad pushes anti-dengue ordinance

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Councilor Richard Francis Aznar has proposed an ordinance to compel city residents to clean their surroundings against the dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

Aznar's proposed measure is scheduled for first reading on Tuesday during the City Council's regular session.

Under the proposed ordinance, an Anti-Dengue Task Force should be created to monitor the cleanliness of the city. Aznar, chairman of the committee on health, said the ordinance will also include educating the residents of the effects of dengue.

It seeks to make mandatory for households and establishments to search and destroy all possible breeding sites of mosquitoes. It will also require schools to continue the 4 o'clock habit of cleaning the surroundings.

"Limpiyohan asa gyud (ang) sources sa stagnant water, kanang naay building structures, things that can accumulate stagnant waters like baril, drums, containers karaang ligid," he said.

The ordinance provides the corresponding fines and penalties for failure to observe cleanliness of surroundings.

Talisay City ranked eighth in the most number of dengue cases in Cebu. Dr. Lino Alanzado, city health officer, has reported 322 cases from January this year with five deaths. (FREEMAN)