Iloilo City Declares Saturdays as Weekly Clean-Up Day

By Reamae Velasco, Daily Guardian Intern

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas has declared every Saturday a citywide clean-up day to boost hygiene and sanitation efforts and curb the spread of communicable diseases, especially during the rainy season.

Under Executive Order No. 18, all 180 barangays are mandated to participate in the weekly clean-up drive beginning Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

A kick-off ceremony will be led by Mayor Treñas at the Zone 2 Gym in Barangay San Juan, Molo district—one of the city’s identified dengue hotspots.

“We are targeting to clean the drainage, stagnant water, garbage and other areas that may be breeding grounds of mosquitoes and rats,” Treñas said in a statement.

As of July 15, Barangay San Juan has recorded nine dengue cases, with six females and three males affected.

Other barangays with high dengue incidence include Sooc in Arevalo district and Tabuc Suba and MV Hechanova in Jaro district.

Districts with the highest dengue case counts are Jaro II with 62, and Molo and Arevalo with 48 each.

Treñas emphasized the need for active community involvement and urged all residents to join the weekly clean-up efforts.

Barangay leaders may request technical or equipment support from City Hall by submitting reports that identify problem areas, propose interventions and provide exact locations for inspection.

“We appeal to every Ilonggo to do their part in their homes and communities,” she said.

“For barangays needing support, you may send a letter to my office detailing your needs so we can assist through the appropriate City Hall departments.”

The mayor’s directive supports the ongoing “Ugsaran Tinluan para Balatian Malikawan” clean-up campaign initiated by Councilor Alan Zaldivar, which is also held every Saturday.

Now in its sixth year as of 2024, the campaign aims to promote clean environments and reduce mosquito breeding sites throughout the city.