The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Bacolod City has unanimously approved a resolution urging key government agencies and local officials 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, Councilor Caesar Distrito said Thursday, Oct. 15.
The measure, authored by Distrito, emphasizes that the city government must adopt a proactive and sustained approach in preventing these diseases, especially in flood-prone communities.
Distrito stressed that prevention must always serve as the first line of defense, noting that the city should not wait for cases to rise or lives to be lost before taking decisive action through the collective efforts of the local government, barangays, schools, health workers, and residents.
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.
At the same time, all 61 Punong Barangays are urged to mobilize their Barangay Health Workers, emergency response teams, Sangguniang Kabataan officials, and community volunteers to conduct regular cleanup drives, eliminate mosquito breeding sites, and promote preventive health practices.
The City Engineer’s Office and Department of Public Services are also urged prioritize drainage obstructions and sanitation concerns in high-risk areas.
The resolution also requests the City Health Office to submit a comprehensive report within 30 days of receipt, detailing available surveillance data, identified high-risk areas, existing prevention programs, resource requirements, and proposed interventions.
Distrito said the report will enable the SP to assess the city’s overall preparedness and determine the necessary legislative and budgetary support required to strengthen local disease prevention and control.
Highlighting that public health protection must remain continuous rather than seasonal, Distrito said, adding that preventing dengue and leptospirosis is a shared responsibility across every barangay and household.
Active community participation, coupled with sustained preparedness and inter-agency cooperation, remains vital to saving lives and building a healthier, safer Bacolod City, he said.*
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