TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government of Samar has joined the nationwide dengue prevention campaign by participating in the February 24 Nationwide Search and Destroy Mosquito Breeding Sites Kick-Off, an initiative led by the Department of Health (DOH) with the theme “Alas Kwatro Kontra Mosquito.”

The campaign emphasizes the importance of community-wide efforts in eliminating mosquito breeding sites to prevent dengue fever outbreaks.

As part of this initiative, offices under the provincial local government unit of Samar conducted thorough inspections, removed stagnant water, and ensured proper waste disposal to eliminate potential breeding grounds for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

From January 1 to February 10, 2025, Samar recorded 188 dengue cases with zero fatalities. This represents a 23% decrease compared to the same period last year, signaling the effectiveness of public health campaigns and preventive measures implemented across the province.

Dengue remains a major public health concern in the Philippines, particularly during the rainy season when mosquito populations surge.

The DOH has consistently called on local government units (LGUs) to intensify cleanup drives, especially in areas where dengue cases are prevalent.

The “Alas Kwatro Kontra Mosquito” campaign encourages households, schools, and workplaces to conduct daily 4 pm cleanup activities, a time when mosquitoes are most active.

To strengthen community efforts in preventing dengue, the provincial government of Samar is urging the public to follow the 5S Strategy:search and Destroy mosquito breeding places; self-protection by using mosquito repellents and wearing long-sleeved clothing; seek early consultation when dengue symptoms appear; and support fogging activities in high-risk areas.

Dengue prevention requires collective effort, and with continued public participation, Samar aims to further reduce dengue cases and create a safer, healthier environment for its residents.

By reinforcing these preventive measures, the province hopes to sustain the decline in cases and strengthen its fight against mosquito-borne diseases.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda expressed his gratitude for the increasing number of local government units (LGUs) visiting their city for benchmarking activities to study and learn from their programs.

Mayor Agda emphasized that being chosen as a model by fellow LGUs is a testament to the effectiveness of the city’s initiatives in serving its constituents.

Last year, officials from Bislig City, Surigao, visited Borongan to study its airport operations. This was followed by Catbalogan City officials, who examined the implementation of the Libreng Sakay (free transport) program.

LGU Ormoc also conducted a benchmarking visit focused on Borongan’s health services program.

Most recently, over the weekend, Calbayog City officials, led by Mayor Raymund Uy and Vice Mayor Rex Daguman, visited Borongan. They engaged in discussions with Mayor Agda to gain insights into the city’s social services and other key projects.

“Over lunch, Mayor Raymund and I exchanged ideas on how our local initiatives could be best emulated in Calbayog. I am elated that Mayor Uy and I share the same vision, and I hope they will successfully implement meaningful programs in their city,” Mayor Agda said.

Apart from the Libreng Sakay program, Borongan City also implements other initiatives recognized by national government agencies, such as Libre Medisina, which has been acknowledged by the Department of Health.

The city also provides a monthly monetary allowance for senior citizens, Direkta Ayuda for students, monthly financial assistance for persons with disabilities (PWDs), and nutrition and food sufficiency programs under Dukwag Agrikultura.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ORMOC CITY– A farmer was brutally hacked to death by the former partner of his live-in partner in Brgy. Tucdao, Kawayan, Biliran, on February 14.

The victim, identified by police as alias “Choro,” 45, was a farmer and a resident of Brgy. Villa. The suspect, alias “Toro,” 29, a jobless resident of Brgy. Ungale, attacked him without warning, allegedly driven by jealousy.

According to the police, they received a call at around 4:30 pm regarding a hacking incident in Brgy. Tucdao. Responding officers found the victim lying motionless on the ground, bleeding from multiple hack wounds across his body.

Initial investigations revealed that the victim had been sitting on his motorcycle when the suspect suddenly approached him and hacked him several times.

The force of the attack caused the victim to fall into a nearby ravine. The suspect fled the scene immediately after the crime.

The victim was rushed to Biliran Provincial Hospital but was declared dead on arrival by attending physicians.

Following a hot pursuit operation, police arrested the suspect at around 11:30 pm the same day in Brgy. Madao. Authorities confirmed that jealousy was the primary motive, as the victim’s live-in partner was previously in a relationship with the suspect.

The suspect was informed of his rights under the Miranda Doctrine in a language he understood. A criminal complaint for murder is being prepared for referral to the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
(ROBERT DEJON)