ILOILO CITY – Antique is under a state of calamity due to the rising number of the mosquito-borne disease dengue.
The Antique Provincial Board approved the proposal of the Antique Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (Antique PDRRMC) in a resolution passed Friday, July 15.
The declaration was made after dengue cases reached more than 1,400 with five fatalities.
Prior to the July 15 provincial declaration, the local governments of Anini-y, Hamtic, and Sibalom had also declared a state of calamity due to dengue.
With the provincial level declaration, the provincial government under Gov. Rhodora Cadiao can utilize the remaining Quick Response Fund (QRF) for dengue response mechanisms.
This includes the proposed funding of P11.17 million for the Antique Provincial Health Office (APHO) to conduct indoor spraying, larviciding, misting against dengue-carrying mosquitoes, and patient support.
Dr. Ric Noel Naciongayo, Provincial Health Officer II, said an additional P1.65 million is needed to purchase dengue diagnostic kits and medicines.