First Provincial Dengue Summit

The provincial government of Ilocos Sur in partnership with the Provincial Health Team Office sponsored the first Provincial Dengue Summit last September 30, 2010 at the Provincial Capitol Building.  This Summit is the first and only in the Region.  It aims to open awareness among public and private institutions on the dengue situationer in the province. 

Provincial Board Committee Chairman on Health and Sanitation Jeremias “Jerry” C. Singon has welcomed the participants with the hope that each one of the organization, institution or agency may jointly do its share in the minimization of the disease’ prevalence.  He highlighted the essence of Joint Community Services where every willing, able and ready individual commits to fight against this dilemma.  Vice Governor Deogracias Victor “DV” B. Savellano delivered his message to the participants with high expectations that the community will come together and participate in the end activity of the Summit – volunteerism.

Participants to the Provincial Dengue Summit were representatives of the following:

1.    DILG

2.    Ilocos Sur Medical Society

3.    Provincial Health Office

4.    Philippine National Red Cross

5.    Department of Education

6.    Barangay Health Workers

7.    The Academe

a.    Ilocos Sur Community College

b.    University of Northern Philippines

c.    St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur

8.    LGU-based health workers

9.    Provincial Health Team Office

10. Philippine National Police

11. Philippine Army

12. Bureau of Fire & Protection

13. Government hospitals

14. Media

Provincial Public Health Coordinator Dr. Rosalinda Quisada gave dengue situationer of Region I and the province.  Among four provinces, Ilocos Sur ranked third in the most recorded cases of dengue with 22%.  Data used was as of September 24. The following figures show the statistics relative to dengue cases.

As noted by Dr. Quisada, the oldest patient on record was 88 years old and the youngest was 3 months old.

Provincial Health Officer II Dr. Carmeliza Singson shared the provincial initiative in dengue prevention.  Among these initiatives is Laban Contra Sa Dengue or Local Control and Surveillance (LCS) Program on Dengue.  With this, a Provincial Dengue Core Team will be organized to reduce the number of dengue cases by 50% and attain zero death in the province by 2013.

Provincial Health Team Leader Benjamin Castillo presented challenges and issues in dengue prevention and control.  Provincial Consultant on Health Dr. Gerry Lahoz elaborated how the Laban Contra Sa Dengue be adopted by the province.  Philippine National Red Cross, University of Northern Philippines and the Boy Scout of the Philippines also presented their plans and contributions for the program.

In conclusion, the participants signed in the gigantic-size tarpaulin with the pledge of commitment with the LCS Dengue Program.

Ms. Viker Albano of SPCIS signs the Pledge