Baguio sets measures to eradicate dengue

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY – The city government has upped measures to prevent dengue in this summer capital.

Ordinance 66, series of 2016 or the Anti-Dengue ordinance of Baguio was implemented though several amendments may be needed, including institutionalizing of several other measures, for an enhanced fight against the mosquito-borne disease.

This is the result of the legislative monitoring, tracking and status report done by the Sangguniang Panlungsod staff through letters and interviews with City Health Services officers: Dengue Prevention Program Coordinator Donnabel Tubera-Panes, and Sanitation Division head engineer Charles Bryan Carame.

Recommended to be institutionalized or incorporated with the existing ordinance are Department of Interior and Local Government Issuances 2012 and 2019; Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue (ABKD) and advocacy on the prevention of Dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses.

Checklists for implementation, monitoring, evaluation, various activities for the control of said diseases at the local government unit and barangay level are included in DILG MC 2019 for sustainability.

The checklists for preparedness include organizing Dengue brigades; daily implementation of clean-ups at 4 PM or the four o’clock habit; wearing long-sleeves/long pants or protective clothing; instigating information and education campaigns through point persons; conducting Parent-Teacher Association conferences with focus on health and Dengue prevention; preparedness of school health facilities for febrile and Dengue suspect pupils/students; classroom inspection and screening; fogging; and daily monitoring/recording through logbook of pupils/students’ wellbeing.

The Enhanced 4S: Search and Destroy (mosquito breeding places), Seek early consultation (when symptoms are felt), self-protect (use protective clothing and repellants), and approval to fogging when cases increase within two weeks; is also included in the checklist.

Strengthening of partnerships with the Department of Education for full and regular implementation of enhanced 4S programs including private schools and universities is also recommended.

Funds and penalties for violations were also implemented, the report stated.

The ordinance was penned due to the Cordillera region having one of the highest reported cases of dengue.