Naga expands dengue response as cases, deaths rise

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

THE city government is expanding its dengue response after recording 307 cases and six deaths since January, including children, prompting the declaration of a state of calamity.

As of press time, Barangay Concepcion Pequeña recorded the highest number of cases at 85, followed by Cararayan, Concepcion Grande, San Felipe, and Carolina, which also reported high case counts.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod approved the declaration through Joint and Collective motion through Resolution No. 2026-610 on Sept. 8.

Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo said the declaration would allow the city government to expedite the procurement of medical supplies and other resources and hire additional health workers to address the increasing number of dengue cases.

“Pag-declare ta kang state of calamity, matatawan kita ning authority para makahire tulos ning mga additional nurses; maka-hire ning additional doctors, supplies na kaipuhan,” the mayor said in vernacular.

(By declaring a state of calamity, we will have the authority to immediately hire additional nurses and doctors and procure the supplies we need.)

To address hospital capacity constraints, the Naga City General Hospital (NGCH) will open three wards, adding 40 beds for patients. Other health facilities are also being prepared, including the Our Lady of Lourdes Infirmary (OLLI), City Health Office 2, and the Super Health Centers.

The second floor of the PAGCOR Building may also be converted into a hospital ward if necessary.

NGCH will also establish a dengue fast lane in its emergency room and outpatient department to speed up the admission and treatment of dengue patients.

“Ngunyan isusuway si mga dengue patients, si mga dae. Para sa mga dengue, ma-hydrate tulos,” the mayor said, noting that she had instructed barangay councils to procure oral rehydration salts to help patients remain hydrated.

(We will separate dengue patients from non-dengue patients so that dengue patients can be hydrated immediately.)

The city government will also conduct emergency hiring for additional health workers, including doctors, nurses, medical technologists, and encoders.

At the community level, barangay health workers from all 27 barangays have been activated under the city’s dengue protocols to align barangay-level response with the city government’s health measures. They will monitor residents for early symptoms of dengue and facilitate immediate treatment when necessary.

“Si sugo sa BHW, si mga health centers dapat equipped na. An protocol ta na pag 48 to 72 hours may kalintura, sa hospital na tulos an diretso,” the mayor added.

(We instructed the BHWs to ensure that the health centers are properly equipped. Under our protocol, if a patient has had a fever for 48 to 72 hours, they should be brought directly to the hospital.)

The city government is also intensifying efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds through search-and-destroy operations, cleanup drives in canals and areas with stagnant water, and the solicitation of sprayers and chemicals from the Department of Health for fogging operations.

Mosquito repellents will also be distributed as part of the city’s dengue prevention efforts. (Nicole Frilles contributed to this story)