Capitol to hold provincewide anti-dengue cleanup drive

Following the declaration of calamity in the Province of Cebu because of the “dramatic” increase in the number of dengue cases, the Capitol has scheduled a province-wide simultaneous cleanup next month.

Provincial Board Member Christopher “Dong” Baricuatro, chairman of the committee on health, said the massive cleanup is set on the first week of November. The activity will be participated by different sectors, including the Department of Education, barangays, and the local government units.

Baricuatro said the massive cleanup will be a one-day activity in which different sectors are encouraged to participate.

“As of gahapon (Monday), nag sugod na og cleanup but kadtong November 4 or 11 maoy massive cleanup,” Baricuatro said.

The DepEd has already started practicing the “4 o’clock habit” during which students are urged to clean the school surroundings.

“Nag-organize ta sa mga bata which they will undergo the four-o-clock habit, mao na manggawas sila, ipangyabo to’ng mga breeding places and so more or else, full swing ang among anti-dengue campaign,” said Dr. Rhea Mar Angtud, provincial schools superintendent.

Angtud, together with the other officials of DepEd, met with the members of the Provincial School Board headed by Governor Hilario Davide III to discuss the upcoming activity.

Angtud said she is waiting for the provincial government’s official communication for her to also issue a memorandum to all school principals.

Angtud said, since mosquitoes fly from one place to another, constant cleanup is the most effective way to eradicate breeding places.

“Constant nga paglimpyo sa lugar, dili ingon moingon nga mopahuway ba. The best way to eradicate is the breeding places, basta malimpyo ang mga classrooms at least safe ang mga bata” Angtud said.

Meanwhile, budget officer Danilo Rodas has assured that the Capitol still has enough funds for its dengue campaign.

Rodas said the province still has P9 million in quick response fund (QRF). He said they can ask for additional fund from the P70 million disaster preparedness allocations if necessary.

Pero ingkaso dako ang panginahanglan, pwede ra ta ka-augment from preparedness nato nga budget to QRF.” Rodas said.

Now that the whole province of Cebu is under the state of dengue calamity, Baricuatro said they can use P1.5 to P1.6 million of the QRF to purchase larvicides, misting machines and other materials needed to combat dengue.