BRACING FOR 19 STORMS: Iloilo Prepares for Cyclones, Ramps Up Dengue Response

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Up to 19 tropical cyclones may enter or develop within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) from June to November, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) – Iloilo.

During the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) meeting on May 30, PAGASA Iloilo Radar Station weather forecaster Jeff Patrick J. Maquiling said one or two tropical cyclones may develop in June; two or three each in July, August, and November; and two to four in both September and October.

The Philippines remains highly vulnerable to tropical cyclones due to its geographic location, often resulting in flooding, agricultural losses, and infrastructure damage.

Dengue Cases Rise Sharply

Meanwhile, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. convened the PDRRMC to address not only weather-related threats but also the alarming increase in dengue cases across the province.

The Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported that as of May 24, Iloilo had recorded 1,838 dengue cases with nine deaths.

This reflects a 76.2 percent increase from the 1,043 cases and four deaths during the same period last year.

In response, Defensor directed the PHO and the Hospital Management Office to ensure that healthcare facilities are adequately stocked with dengue test kits, intravenous fluids, and hospital beds.

The provincial government is also working with the Philippine Red Cross to maintain sufficient blood supply.

In a separate interview, IPHO chief Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon expressed readiness to manage a potential dengue surge.

She said her team is closely coordinating with local health units to monitor the situation.

Community Clean-Up Launched

To curb the spread of dengue, the province is ramping up cleanup efforts under Executive Order 29, signed by Defensor on March 27.

The order mandates the “Limpyo Iloilo, Kada Lunes nga Lihok Kontra Lamok” campaign, a weekly cleanup drive every Monday at 4 p.m. to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds such as stagnant water and unmanaged waste.

Residents are strongly encouraged to clean their surroundings and actively support the campaign.

The Department of Health continues to promote its 4S strategy to combat dengue:

• Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites
• Secure self-protection measures
• Seek early medical consultation
• Support fogging or spraying in hotspot areas

The PHO emphasizes that sustained community involvement is essential to control dengue and protect vulnerable populations.