ILOILO – Amid a 77-percent spike in dengue cases and looming threats from other health and climate-related emergencies, the provincial government has ramped up its preparedness and response strategies through a high-level coordination meeting with its Civil Defense Cluster.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. led the recent table conference, which focused on intensifying efforts to contain the dengue outbreak, monitoring African Swine Fever (ASF), and bracing for weather-related risks such as flooding and leptospirosis as the rainy season approaches.
Provincial Health Office data show 1,742 dengue cases with nine deaths recorded as of May 17 this year, compared to 983 cases and three deaths in the same period in 2024.
In response, the governor ordered an extensive province-wide cleanup drive, the deployment of fogging and spraying operations in hotspot areas, and the sustained implementation of the Department of Health’s “4S” strategy — search and destroy, self-protection, seek early consultation, and support fogging and spraying.
To prevent supply gaps, the province has also ensured the availability of dengue test kits, intravenous fluids, and sufficient hospital beds in both provincial and district hospitals.
The conference also addressed veterinary concerns, with the Provincial Veterinary Office reporting an 11.42 percent rise in swine inventory — an increase of 8,256 heads — signalling recovery despite ASF concerns. The ASF Task Force continues its strict surveillance in local government units, ports, and airports to guard against outbreaks.
In addition, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) presented current response capabilities and ongoing readiness initiatives. These will be further discussed in a scheduled meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) on Friday, May 30, where the focus will be on fortifying disaster preparedness and community resilience across the province.
Governor Defensor emphasized the need for a united front: “We are aligning our health, veterinary, and disaster response systems to ensure Iloilo is ready and responsive in times of crisis.”/PN
