Mandaue barangays told: Strengthen campaign vs dengue

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City government is calling out to all 27 barangays in the city to help lessen the number of dengue cases in the city by strengthening their own campaign against the deadly disease.

Mandaue City Council adopted and approved Resolution No. 97-2016, authored by Councilor Raul Kevin Cabahug, calling all barangay captains to form an "Anti-Dengue" Task Force in their respective barangays.

Cabahug explained that there is a need to create an anti-dengue team so that local health officials will be on the lookout, especially during the critical months of July and August.

"A community-based/participatory approach has been proven most effective in the prevention of Dengue, wherein members of the community themselves participate in taking measures to protect themselves and prevent the spread of the disease," Cabahug said.

Further, Cabahug said that while barangays would have a task force to monitor dengue cases in their areas, residents should also be responsible in cleaning up their backyards to prevent mosquito breeding grounds, like uncovered trash cans, flower vases, pet water dishes, pipes, hoses, swimming poles and pitcher plants.

Mayor Gabriel Luigi Quisumbing has raised concern in the increasing number of dengue cases in the city.

Quisumbing issued a health advisory ordering the 27 barangays in the city to clean up their surroundings to prevent the further rise of the viral disease.

Out of the 27 barangays, barangays Casili, Cubacub and Labogon were identified by the city health department as fast breeding areas of dengue.

In the latest report sent to Quisumbing by the city health department, the mayor said 170 dengue cases have been recorded since January, but he said this has actually reached 550. (FREEMAN)