LGUs urged to conduct dengue clean-up drive

In a bid to prevent the spread of dengue cases in the country, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo on Wednesday called on all governors, city and municipal mayors, barangay chairmen, including local health officers to conduct clean-up activities in their respective localities.

In a directive, Robredo enjoined local officials to conduct search and destroy operations of all potential breeding places of dengue-carrying mosquitoes in their areas of jurisdiction.

Local officials were also urged to enforce environmental sanitation such as dredging of clogged canals, esteros and other waterways; prune thick bushes or tree branches; remove or drain receptacles containing stagnant water; and conduct massive information drive on environmental control of breeding sites especially in endemic areas.

Robredo issued the directive amid reports from the Department of Health (DOH) that dengue cases in the country, from January 1 to July 23, 2011, has reached to 38,876 or 25.85% lower compared to 52,428 cases in 2010. Also, this year’s recorded number of deaths is at 226, wherein victims are mostly children.

He asked local chief executives (LCEs) to undertake the clean-up drive for two consecutive weekends: on August 20 & 21 and August 27 & 28, 2011 to stop the spread of the disease.
“Though dengue cases reported this year is lower than the reported cases in 2010, we should maintain our efforts to fight against dengue outbreak in every part of the country,” he added.
The DILG Chief also encouraged the public to undertake self-protection measures like wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and using mosquito nets and repellants as well as to consult a doctor in case they experience symptoms of the disease.

He stressed the need for coordinated efforts among all concerned government agencies and local government units to lessen the prevalence of the mosquito-borne disease in all parts of the country.

At the same time, Robredo ordered members of the DILG Regional Management Coordinating Committee to ensure that their field officers actively participate in the clean-up efforts within their areas of jurisdiction.

He also directed all DILG regional directors to closely monitor and submit reports of LGUs’ compliance with the directive, a week after the conduct of said activity. DILG