BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Mountain Province (MP) convened for a special meeting at the Governor Leonard G. Mayaen Sports Center on July 25, 2024.
The meeting aimed to address the pressing concerns of heavy rainfall due to Typhoon Carina and the escalating dengue and chikungunya cases.
On weather updates, Local DRRMO V Ian Neil D. Culallad informed that Super Typhoon Carina, while crossing Taiwan, is unlikely to bring heavy rainfall to the whole Philippines. However, the enhanced Southwest Monsoon, fueled by the typhoon, is expected to bring heavy to intense rainfall to Ilocos, Zamboanga, and Benguet until July 27, 2024.
On infrastructure damages, Provincial Engineer Edward B. Likigan reported damages to several provincial roads caused by slope collapses, including the Mabalite, Tadian-Nacawang, Besao provincial road, Bontoc-Mainit provincial road, Kin-iway-Agawa provincial road, and the Madepdepas-Takkong-Balangagan provincial road. Consequently, the Provincial Engineering Office has deployed loader trucks and dump trucks for road-clearing operations.
Meanwhile, on mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, Provincial Health Officer II Annie Calire B. Pekas reported a total of 1,265 cases. Three deaths, she said, occurred from January to July 2024.
To mitigate the vector-borne disease, Provincial Health Office and the Provincial Department of Health Office are promoting the “5S strategies” to combat dengue: Searching and destroying mosquito breeding sites: This involves eliminating stagnant water sources where mosquitoes breed; Self-protection measures: Regular use of mosquito repellent is crucial to prevent mosquito bites; Seeking early consultation: Prompt medical attention is vital for early diagnosis and treatment; Saying yes to fogging: Fogging helps to reduce mosquito populations in affected areas; and Sustaining hydration: Adequate hydration is essential for overall health and recovery.
Moreover, the need for more blood donors was raised. Donor Recruitment Officer Florita A. Sacgaca of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) – MP Chapter urged the council to convince the public to donate blood at the PRC-MP Chapter in Bontoc or the Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital in Bauko. (Add statistics on blood lacking)
Sacgaca said that blood transfusion is critical for treating severe dengue cases.
With all these, the PDRRMC stressed the need for concerted efforts to address the challenges posed by the weather situation and the dengue outbreak. The council emphasized the importance of public awareness, preventive measures, and community participation in mitigating the risks and ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents of Mountain Province. By Hail, MP
