SAN JOSE, Antique – The cash-for-work program initiated by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as a response measure amid coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has likewise led to the decline of dengue cases in this province.
Dr. Leoncio Abiera, Jr., officer-in-charge of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), said Thursday this province has only recorded 206 dengue cases from Jan. 1 to June 20 this year – 240 cases lower than the same period last year.
IPHO information officer Irene Dulduco, for her part, attributed the decrease of cases to the implementation of the DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced#Barangay Ko, Bahay Ko (TUPAD#BKBK) program.
The TUPAD#BKBK is a 10-day program in which beneficiaries carry out works such as disinfection and cleaning of their own homes and doing backyard gardening while staying at home due to the threat of COVID-19.
According to her, the decline of dengue cases in Antique started during the 13th morbidity week covering the March 29 to April 4 period with only five cases while three cases were recorded on the 14th morbidity week from April 5 to 11.
“The most number of dengue cases, which is 33, was monitored on January 1 to 7 – first morbidity week,” Dulduco said.
DOLE’s TUPAD#BKBK program in this province was implemented in two batches. There were 400 beneficiaries in the first (April 8-17) while 2,800 recipients took part in the second (April 29-May 8.)
The agency’s project provided emergency livelihood to displaced, underemployed and seasonal workers. The beneficiaries received a daily wage of P395./(With a report from PNA/
