MEMBERS of a homeowners’ association and government officials expressed their support for the proposal of Mandaue City Councilor Raul Cabahug V to create an anti-dengue ordinance.
They, however, raised some concerns and made some suggestions on the measures during a public hearing for the proposed Mandaue City Anti-Dengue Ordinance yesterday.
Those who turned up for the public hearing particularly raised their concerns on the breeding sites of dengue-carrier mosquitoes.
The public hearing, which was held in Mandaue Session Hall at 2 p.m., was attended by officials of the Department of Education (DepEd), different barangay officials and residents, and City health officials.
According to the ordinance, “all owners, managers, administrators and/or caretakers of households, schools, vacant lots, abandoned houses, tire trading/merchandise business, and all other buildings/establishments” in the city are mandated to clean their places and get rid of stagnant water that are potential breeding sites of mosquitoes.
Consuelo Mataberde, homeowners’ association president of a 6.5-hectare relocation site in Barangay Paknaan, brought up her concern on an open canal near their area.
Another homeowner said that they have neighbors who do not care for stagnant waters found near their dwelling area.
Councilor Cynthia Remedio advised them to take a picture of the open canal and the stagnant water and submit these to the barangay while the ordinance was not yet approved.
Councilor Carmelino Del Mar suggested to include in the ordinance to give a violator 72-hour to settle the penalty.
After that, appropriate charges will then be filed against the violator if he/she fails to settle the penalty.
Councilor Nilo Seno also suggested to notify violators to clean up their sorroundings within 48 hours to avoid getting fines.
According to the proposed ordinance, violators will be warned and will be required to do community service for three hours as first offense.
Fines
A violator will be fined P1,000 and P3,000 for the second and third offense, respectively. Each offense also include a three-hour community service.
A City Anti-Dengue Task Force will be created, whose responsibilities will include, among others, to “formulate comprehensive policies, programs and guidelines on the prevention and control of dengue.”
Seno said that the purpose of the task force is to supervise the barangay dengue task force.
Dr. Lucila Abelida, DepEd Mandaue Division physician, said that they have been distributing mosquito repellants to schools in Mandaue as part of the agency’s anti-dengue campaign.
After the public hearing, the City Council will approved the ordinance for the second and final reading during its regular session.
