Lapu-Lapu allocates P2.5M for dengue efforts

CEBU, Philippines - The Lapu-Lapu City government has allocated P2.5 million to augment efforts against dengue in the city.

City officials are optimistic that the budget can help the city health department, especially in the purchase of chemicals for its year-long campaign against dengue. They also urged the department to tap barangay officials and private organizations.

Leo Mercado, president of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) in Lapu-Lapu City, said earlier barangay officials have been instrumental in the clean and green program of Mayor Paz Radaza whose primary purpose is to stop the spread of dengue.

The City Council allocated the budget despite no significant increase in the number of dengue cases in the city in 2010.

Vice Mayor Marcial Ycong said one way of minimizing cases of dengue is continued education at the barangay level. Efforts like cleaning of canals, creeks and lagoons can also go a long way, said Councilor Efren Herrera.

Herrera himself passed a resolution calling the attention of the owners of idle lots in Lapu-Lapu City that have reportedly become breeding places for mosquitoes.

The city has also sought the assistance of the Department of Education to assist the city health department in its education campaign. – (FREEMAN)