By IME SORNITO
ILOILO – To curb the rising number of dengue cases, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) is urging residents across barangays to adopt the daily habit of Taob, Taktak, Tuyo, Takip — a simple yet effective routine aimed at eliminating mosquito breeding grounds right at home.
As part of the observance of Dengue Awareness Month and the recent ASEAN Dengue Day, the provincial government, through the IPHO and in partnership with USWAG Ilonggo Partylist, launched an intensified rekorida awareness campaign on June 23. The initiative brings vital health messages directly to communities via roving vehicles equipped with loudspeakers.
A specially composed jingle reinforcing dengue prevention practices will also be played throughout the campaign to help make the messages engaging and easy to remember.
IPHO head Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon emphasized the importance of community participation, especially during the rainy season when dengue transmission peaks.
“Our strongest weapon remains the first S: Search and Destroy. By removing stagnant water and potential mosquito habitats in our surroundings — whether it’s old tires, flower vases, cans, or clogged gutters—we can greatly reduce the dengue risk in our communities,” she said.
The campaign’s theme, “Alas Kwatro Kontra Mosquito: Mag 4T Tayo Araw-Araw”, underscores the significance of practicing the 4Ts — Taob (turn over containers), Taktak (empty water-holding items), Tuyo (dry them), and Takip (cover water storage) — especially during the critical 4 p.m. biting time of the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.
The campaign kicked off in the municipality of Calinog on June 20 and was part of a broader province-wide community engagement strategy aimed at strengthening public commitment to the Department of Health’s 4S Strategy:
* Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites
* Self-protection through repellents or proper clothing
* Seek early consultation when symptoms arise
* Support fogging/spraying only during outbreaks
As of June 7, 2025, the IPHO recorded 2,051 dengue cases with 10 deaths — a 75 percent increase from the 1,175 cases and five deaths recorded during the same period in 2024.
The municipalities with the highest number of cases are: San Joaquin – 163; Oton – 118 (1 death); Leon – 102; Cabatuan – 101; Dumangas – 101; Pototan – 81 (2 deaths); Lambunao – 75 (1 death); San Dionisio – 68; Janiuay – 65; and Calinog – 64.
Other affected municipalities include: Sara (63 cases, 1 death); Ajuy (62); Pavia (59); Passi City (56); Maasin (53); Barotac Nuevo and Concepcion (46 each); Banate (45); Santa Barbara (44); Barotac Viejo and Estancia (43 each); Tigbauan (41, 1 death); Carles (40, 2 deaths); Miag-ao and San Miguel (37 each); San Rafael (32); Alimodian and Batad (28 each); Anilao and Guimbal (27 each); Badiangan, Dingle, Dueñas (25 each; Dueñas with 1 death); Balasan (23, 1 death); Mina (23); Lemery and Zarraga (21 each); Igbaras (19); Bingawan, Leganes, and Tubungan (17 each); San Enrique (16); New Lucena (7).
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms include sudden high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, skin rashes, and in some cases, bleeding. While there is no specific cure, early detection and proper hydration are critical to avoiding severe complications and death.
Health officials are calling on every household to be proactive in preventing dengue — not just during outbreaks but every single day. With strengthened local partnerships and community vigilance, the province hopes to significantly reduce, if not eliminate, dengue transmission./PN
