Capiz declares state of calamity amid dengue surge

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Governor Fredenil Castro declared a state of calamity in the province of Capiz on Thursday, August 22, due to the rising cases of dengue.

Castro explained that the declaration allows local government units to utilize their quick response funds from the calamity fund more efficiently to address the residents’ needs in combating the dengue outbreak.

During a meeting and press conference held at the Hall of the Governor in the provincial capitol, the governor approved the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (PDRRMC) recommendation to place Capiz under a state of calamity.

The resolution will be forwarded to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Capiz for approval in its session next Tuesday.

Castro urged the public to maintain clean surroundings and follow the 5S strategy. He also advised wearing long clothing, using mosquito repellent, and seeking medical consultation at health centers if experiencing dengue symptoms.

Before the declaration, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) conducted fumigation and fogging activities in the town centers of Pilar, President Roxas, and other areas.

Meanwhile, approximately 120 barangays, up from the original 81, have been clustered as affected by dengue in the province of Capiz.

According to the case bulletin released by the PHO for Morbidity Week 33 (from January 1 to August 17, 2024), the distribution of cases is as follows: 27 in Roxas City; 12 in Sigma; 10 in Dumalag; 9 in Dumarao; 8 each in Dao and Tapaz; 7 in Pontevedra; 6 in Cuartero; 5 each in Maayon, Mambusao, and Sapi-an; 4 in President Roxas; 2 each in Ivisan and Pilar; and 1 each in Jamindan and Panay.

Currently, there have been four dengue-related deaths out of the total 1,783 reported cases.

It was reported that the number of dengue cases surged by 279.36% compared to the same period last year.

Atty. Sheila Artillero, head of the PDRRMO, mentioned that the province has a P35-million budget for the 2024 calamity fund, of which P3 million will be allocated to Quick Response Funds for dengue.