To raise awareness of dengue intervention, Cebu Normal University (CNU) with the participation of Cebu City Government and City Health Office launched its first assembly on dengue awareness and mosquito control held at Teaching Arts Centrum Auditorium last Friday, with the theme, “Dengue Awareness and Mosquito Control: Enabling Innovations for Sustainable Development”.
The event started with a welcoming remark by University President Dr. Filomena T. Dayagbil, stating that the university is honored to be chosen as a host of the said congress.
“As a state university funded by the government, it is our responsiblity to make sure to partner with the agencies in the government and make the government’s projects and activities successful as they cascade down to our stake holders and collegues,” Dayagbil explained.
Hon. Michael Rama, the Vice Mayor of Cebu City and Chairman Committee on Health Hospital Services and Sanitation, served as the keynote speaker, saying that each individual in the government, health sector, and barangay, needs to be vigilant in maintaining cleanliness and responsibility to eradicate the causes of dengue in the community that they belong.
He added emphhasis on enhancing the 4S (search and destroy, see early consultation, self protection measures, and say yes to fogging only during outbreaks) strategy measures to guide the people on what they should do in protecting themselves against the virus.
Plenary speakers who tackled related topics were Dr. Milagros Grief, Dean of College of Arts and Sciences, who shared about the life cycle of mosquito and about mosquito control; Dr. Ronald Jarvik Buscato, Regional Program Manager of National Aedes-Born Viral Diseases Prevention and Control Program, who discussed about current dengue situation in the Philippines; and Dr. Daisy Villa, Cebu City Health officer, who added insights about Cebu City’s current dengue situation.
The event was attended by faculty members of CNU, Barangay Health Workers, and Barangay Representatives from the different barangays around the city.
Meanwhile, Vilma Cuyos, a barangay health worker in Barangay Punta Princesa, gave tips on how to regulate the mosquitoes.
“Ang pagpanglimpyo sa panimalay, ang pag-agni sa mga tupad nimo nga balay nga manglimpyo, dili lang sa kana kon dili sa sulod sad sa panimalay ug i-suggest sa barangay ang ‘4 o’clock Habit’ nga manglimpyo gyod matag alas-kwatro sa hapon kay sa dihang mga orasa kay mangguwa ang mga lamok nga magdalag dengue,” Cuyos said.
An open forum followed, serving as the congress’ end; a lunch buffet accommodated the guests, while being serenaded by CNU Chorale.
Words and Photos by Leonel Quillo
