Rama wants anti-dengue ordinance re-introduced

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama wants a proposed ordinance that seeks to prevent the spread of dengue to be re-introduced in the next council.

The proposed ordinance authored by outgoing Councilor Jose Daluz III requires household occupants to clean up their surroundings to prevent the spread of dengue virus.

The City Council has no time left to deliberate the proposal because their term will already end at noon on June 30. Rama said the proposal has to be re-introduced in the next council.

Daluz seeks to compel the heads of families and company managers to clean up their respective surroundings and destroy the breeding sites of mosquitoes.

A corresponding penalty was proposed for those who failed to comply with it. According to Daluz, there is a need to reduce the number of dengue casualties.

There were 13 dengue-related casualties in Cebu City last year while over 3,000 persons, mostly children were afflicted with dengue. From January to May 31 this year, two children have already died of dengue.

In yesterday's press conference, Rama described the proposed ordinance as good. He wants the next council to prioritize it in order to reduce the number of dengue-related deaths.

City Health Officer Stella Ygoña said the public should always clean their respective surroundings, particularly the stagnant water, to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. — (FREEMAN)