Albay Declared Under State of Calamity Due to Dengue Outbreak

Albay was placed under a state of calamity on Thursday, Sept. 10, after dengue cases reached 1,785, with 14 deaths recorded from Jan. 1 to Sept. 8. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial board) approved the declaration following a recommendation from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC). Legazpi City recorded the most cases at 378, followed by Bacacay with 254 and Daraga with 188. The 14 deaths included five in Legazpi City; two each in Daraga, Manito and Sto. Domingo; and one each in Malilipot, Camalig and Tiwi. The resolution, filed by Ex-Officio Board Member Milagros Bal, authorizes the provincial government to mobilize funds and emergency resources for the dengue response. It also directs provincial offices to coordinate with local governments, barangays, national agencies and the private sector on disease surveillance, vector control, cleanup operations, emergency procurement and information campaigns. The state of calamity will remain in effect until the Sangguniang Panlalawigan lifts it based on assessments by the PDRRMC and the Department of Health.