SP Call for Intensified Campaign vs Dengue and Leptospirosis in Bacolod Includes Barangays

The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City has unanimously approved a resolution authored by Councilor Atty. Caesar Z. Distrito, urging the City Health Office, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Department of Education, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and all 61 barangays to intensify and institutionalize coordinated community-based prevention, surveillance, sanitation, and public information campaigns against dengue fever and leptospirosis, particularly during the rainy season and periods of flooding.

Distrito emphasized that the city government must adopt a proactive and sustained approach in preventing these diseases, especially in flood-prone communities.

“We should not wait for dengue and leptospirosis cases to increase or for lives to be lost before taking action. Prevention must always be our first line of defense. We need the collective efforts of our city government, barangays, schools, health workers, and residents to protect our communities,” Distrito said.

Under the approved resolution, the City Health Office is requested to identify and monitor high-risk barangays, strengthen disease surveillance and reporting, intensify public awareness campaigns, and assess the preparedness of barangay health centers and city-operated health facilities. All 61 Punong Barangays are likewise urged to mobilize their Barangay Health Workers, emergency response teams, SK officials, and community volunteers in conducting regular cleanup drives, eliminating mosquito breeding sites, and promoting preventive health practices. The City Engineer’s Office and Department of Public Services are also requested to prioritize drainage obstructions and sanitation concerns in high-risk areas.

Significantly, the resolution requests the City Health Office to submit a comprehensive report within thirty (30) days from receipt, detailing available dengue and leptospirosis surveillance data, identified high-risk areas, existing prevention programs, resource requirements, and proposed interventions. Distrito explained that the report would enable the Sangguniang Panlungsod to assess the city’s preparedness and determine the necessary legislative and budgetary support to strengthen disease prevention and control.

“Ang paglikaw sa dengue kag leptospirosis responsibilidad naton tanan. Kinahanglan ang aktibo nga partisipasyon sang tagsa ka barangay kag pumuluyo agud malikawan ang paglapta sang sini nga mga balatian. Public health protection should be continuous, not seasonal. Through prevention, preparedness, and cooperation, we can save lives and build a healthier and safer Bacolod City,” Distrito concluded.* (PR)