Iloilo to Declare State of Calamity as Dengue Cases Rise

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Iloilo province is set to declare another state of calamity in response to the alarming surge in dengue cases, Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. announced during a press conference on Wednesday, March 6.

“For purposes of utilizing disaster or quick response funds (QRF), we will have to make another declaration of a state of calamity so that we can add to our capacity,” Defensor said.

Data from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) revealed a 77% increase in dengue cases during the ninth morbidity week from January 1 to March 1, 2025. The province recorded 803 cases and six fatalities, a significant rise from 454 cases and two deaths during the same period last year.

The six fatalities, all from vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly, are as follows:
● A 47-year-old male from Carles
● A two-year-old female from Tigbauan
● A six-year-old male from Pototan
● An 11-month-old baby boy from Oton
● A 67-year-old female from Pototan
● A 71-year-old male from Carles

All 42 municipalities and one component city in the province have reported dengue cases. The most affected areas are:
● Leon – 52 cases
● Oton – 50 cases (one death)
● San Joaquin – 47 cases
● Cabatuan – 40 cases
● Dumangas – 38 cases

Children aged 1 to 9 years old accounted for 37% of total cases, followed by those aged 10 to 19 years old, who made up 31%.

The governor emphasized that Iloilo has surpassed the dengue epidemic threshold. While 31 municipalities have shown a decline in the two-week growth rate, intensified preventive measures remain critical.

“We have already started campaigning. We have, in effect, a declaration of calamity and outbreak since last year. Technically, this was not interrupted since cases continued, though there was a brief slowdown. However, cases surged again in January,” Defensor explained.

He noted that 2025 marks the third year in the dengue cycle, a period historically associated with an increase in cases.

Defensor assured the public that the province has sufficient logistics, including test kits and hospital capacity, and is prepared to scale up operations if necessary.

Province-Wide Cleanup Drive

To strengthen its anti-dengue campaign, the provincial government will launch a province-wide cleanup drive, “Limpyo Iloilo Kontra Dengue,” on Saturday, March 8. The initiative, which coincides with National Women’s Month, will be led by women’s groups.

“The cleanup drive is not the ultimate solution, but it serves as a trigger to raise public consciousness in our fight against dengue,” Defensor said.

The governor also reiterated the importance of the Department of Health’s (DOH) “4S” strategy:
● Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites.
● Secure self-protection.
● Seek early consultation.
● Support fogging in hotspot areas.

Free Consultations and Treatment

Dengue patients are entitled to free consultations and treatment at all district and government hospitals in the province, as mandated by an executive order from the governor. PhilHealth covers up to PHP 19,500 for dengue treatment and up to PHP 47,000 for severe cases.

Residents are also urged to join the “Alas Kwatro Kontra Mosquito” campaign, which encourages the elimination of mosquito breeding sites every 4 p.m.

Authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and actively participate in preventive measures to combat the spread of dengue.