Albay: Albay's provincial government has declared a state of calamity amid continuously rising dengue cases since January, with 1,785 cumulative cases and 14 fatalities, the provincial health office said.

According to Philippines News Agency, during a special session on Thursday afternoon, members of the Provincial Board seconded and approved a resolution on the matter, authored by Board Member Milagros Bal, chairperson of the Committee on Crisis and Emergency Management. The declaration will allow the provincial government to access the Quick Response Fund to procure testing kits, vector-control chemicals, medical supplies, and equipment. It also enables measures to stabilize the prices of necessities and to mobilize community-wide emergency response.

Data from the Provincial Health Office - Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit showed that Legazpi City recorded the highest number of cases with 378, followed by Bacacay with 254, and Daraga with 188. Other areas have also been affected, including Tabaco City with 158 cases, Malilipot (130), Tiwi (54), Sto. Domingo (48), and Malinao (24).

In the second district, Manito recorded 86 cases, Camalig (80), and Rapu-Rapu (25). In the third district, Ligao City recorded 102 cases, followed by Libon with 78, Pio Duran (60), Polangui (53), Oas (34), Guinobatan (28), and Jovellar (5). The 14 fatalities were recorded in Legazpi City, with five; Daraga, Manito, and Sto. Domingo with two each; and Malilipot, Camalig, and Tiwi with one each.

The cases were recorded from Jan. 1 to Sept. 8 across all 18 local government units in Albay. The provincial government urged residents to join the Barangay Dengue Brigade, regularly clean their surroundings, remove stagnant water, and inspect containers, gutters, canals, and other areas where mosquitoes may breed.