Iloilo intensifies anti-dengue drive amid rising cases in key towns
Iloilo map. INQUIRER FILES
ILOILO CITY — Dengue cases continue to rise in at least five municipalities in Iloilo.
From Jan. 1 to March 29, Iloilo logged 1,223 dengue cases, including seven fatalities—an 83 percent jump compared to the 668 cases and two deaths recorded during the same period last year.
Although cases are generally declining, five municipalities—Barotac Nuevo, Bingawan, Pototan, Cabatuan, and San Dionisio—have reported an uptick in infections, requiring intensified efforts.
“While we’ve seen a 47% decrease in the two-week growth rate, there are still areas where cases are rising,” said Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, chief of the Provincial Health Office (PHO).
Among the 43 affected municipalities, San Joaquin has the highest number of cases with 95, followed by Oton (72), Leon (70), and Cabatuan and Dumangas (56). Pototan and Carles each recorded two fatalities, while Oton, Tigbauan, and Balasan reported one death each.
In response, the Iloilo provincial government is doubling down on prevention efforts through the “Limpyo Iloilo, Kada Lunes nga Lihok Kontra Lamok” (Clean Iloilo Every Monday Drive Against Mosquito) initiative, also known as the “Alas Kwatro Kontra Mosquito” campaign.
Under Executive Order No. 29, signed by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., all 43 local governments must enforce a weekly cleanup operation every Monday at 4 p.m.
The movement urges residents to eliminate stagnant water sources in homes, schools, and public areas.
The PHO’s recent public advisory reminded Ilonggos to remain proactive and strengthen anti-dengue measures.
The campaign’s launch has been marked by visible community action, with sirens and church bells signaling the start of cleanup activities every Monday.
Government offices, businesses, and households are all expected to participate.
Aside from the cleanup efforts, health officials are conducting larval surveillance and entomological studies to monitor mosquito populations.
These assessments will guide targeted interventions such as indoor residual spraying and fogging.
Follow-up evaluations will be conducted two weeks after each cleanup to measure effectiveness and determine further actions.
Despite progress, health authorities warn that the onset of the dry season could pose new challenges.
As water storage becomes necessary in many households, Quiñon stressed the importance of keeping containers sealed to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
With Ilonggos rallying behind the “Alas Kwatro” campaign, officials hoped that the sustained effort would drive down dengue cases further and create a culture of continuous prevention across the province.
READ: Iloilo dengue cases drop but health officials ask public to remain cautious
