AS THE RAINY season looms, local governments are urged to prioritize community health and safety through robust clean-up initiatives. In fact, such measures should be enshrined as permanent policy. Iloilo’s province-wide clean-up campaign is a timely example of local leadership stepping up to address urgent health and environmental challenges.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.’s call for a collective clean-up to stave off dengue and prevent flooding is a model of preventive governance. This is the critical link between environmental cleanliness and public health, especially in the fight against dengue, a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes that thrives in stagnant water — a common sight in the rainy season. With over a thousand dengue cases already reported in Iloilo this year, up 69 percent from the previous year, the urgency of the clean-up cannot be overstated.
The campaign’s focus on the 4S strategy — searching and destroying mosquito breeding sites, self-protection, seeking early treatment, and supporting fogging efforts — is a wise approach to dengue prevention. However, equally important is the initiative’s aim to clear waterways to prevent flooding, which not only protects physical property but also prevents water-borne diseases from spreading.
But given the scope of these challenges, clean-up efforts must not be one-off events but as vital, ongoing responsibilities that require permanent commitment from both local authorities and the communities they serve. Regular clean-ups and waste management should be embedded in local policy, ensuring that every rainy season can be met with readiness, rather than reactive emergency measures.
The participation of various community sectors in Iloilo’s clean-up — spanning barangays, schools, government agencies, and more — demonstrates the power of collective action. Such widespread collaboration fosters a sense of community ownership over local health and environmental issues, making initiatives more effective and inclusive.
Local governments across the country should take note of Iloilo’s initiative. Instituting permanent clean-up policies not only enhances immediate community resilience but also builds a foundation for sustainable development. By prioritizing environmental cleanliness, we can safeguard public health, protect resources, and cultivate civic engagement, ensuring that communities can thrive regardless of the season.
