Iloilo sets provincewide cleanup vs dengue, floods

ILOILO CITY — Iloilo will hold a provincewide cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 19, targeting mosquito breeding sites and flood-prone waterways as authorities step up efforts to prevent dengue and flooding.

The activity, called “LIMPYÓ ILOILO: Panglimpyo Para sa Dengue kag Baha,” is being held under Executive Order No. 116, series of 2026.

It will bring together local government units (LGUs), health and environmental personnel, disaster responders, schools, and community organizations.

Dengue cases continue to be reported across the province. Provincial monitoring data show 3,191 cases and 15 deaths from Jan. 4 to Sept. 12.

That is 31% lower than the 4,593 cases recorded in the same period last year.

Still, the province has continued to log more than 200 new cases in recent weeks.

Of the 43 LGUs with reported cases, Estancia had the most at 307, followed by Calinog with 206, Cabatuan with 180, and Carles and Passi City with 175 each.

Dengue is spread mainly by Aedes mosquitoes, which lay their eggs in standing water. Breeding sites tend to multiply during the rainy season, when water collects in containers, clogged drains, and low-lying areas.

The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has asked LGUs to mobilize their municipal and city health offices, barangay health workers and officials, and personnel from their Municipal and City Environment and Natural Resources Offices.

It also called on Municipal and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices, the Bureau of Fire Protection, schools, youth groups, and community organizations to take part.

The cleanup will focus on removing stagnant water and mosquito breeding sites, disposing of waste properly, and clearing clogged canals, drainage systems, and waterways.