Iloilo PDRRMC recommends state of calamity as dengue surge

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has passed a resolution recommending that the province be placed under a state of calamity due to the alarming rise in dengue cases.

PDRRMO Chief Cornelio Salinas confirmed Thursday, Aug. 15, that the resolution had been approved and would be submitted today, Aug. 16, to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for deliberation.

Salinas emphasized that Iloilo has met the criteria set by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to declare a state of calamity, with three local government units—Passi City, Tigbauan, and Miagao—already under such declarations.

“Once approved, all 43 local government units (LGUs) will gain access to their quick response funds for the purchase of necessary supplies to combat the dengue crisis,” Salinas said.

He added that once the state of calamity is declared, the province will intensify its enforcement of the 4S strategy: search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites, secure self-protection, seek early consultation, and support fogging and spraying operations.

“We are passing the resolution to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. If approved, by Tuesday, the province can be officially placed under a state of calamity. This will allow us to ramp up preventive measures,” Salinas said.

According to the Provincial Health Office’s 32nd Morbidity Week Report, Iloilo has recorded 4,595 dengue cases and 10 deaths so far.

The province remains on blue alert status. In a recent press conference, Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. assured the public that measures are in place to address the outbreak at the local level.

Health officials continue to urge the public to remain vigilant, encouraging participation in preventive efforts such as eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, using mosquito repellents, and seeking medical care at the first sign of symptoms.