“Lesser Lamok, Lesser Infection”: Kalinga PHO Tandingan calls for community action against Dengue and rainy season diseases

Tabuk City, Kalinga – As the rainy season sets in, Provincial Health Officer II Dr. Edward Tandingan has called on the public to take an active role in preventing mosquito-borne and water-borne diseases, stressing that reducing mosquito populations remains one of the most effective ways to avoid infection.

Speaking during the regular flag-raising ceremony on June 15 at the Kalinga Sports Center in Bulanao, Tandingan warned that the onset of the wet season brings an increased risk of illnesses such as dengue, leptospirosis, and Japanese encephalitis.

“Dadduma nga infections that we need to be vigilant with ket daytoy leptospirosis, dengue and even the Japanese encephalitis,” he said.

Aside from dengue, Tandingan reminded residents about the dangers of leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be contracted through contact with floodwaters contaminated by the urine of infected animals. He also cautioned the public about Japanese encephalitis, a viral infection transmitted through the bites of infected Culex mosquitoes commonly found near rice fields and pig farms.

The Provincial Health Officer emphasized that disease prevention begins at the community level, particularly through the elimination of stagnant water where mosquitoes breed. He urged residents to regularly clean their surroundings and remove potential breeding sites.

Tandingan highlighted the province's community-based intervention known as “Pattog,” which promotes collective action in maintaining clean environments and reducing mosquito populations.

“Isu nga adda metlang diay community task nga diay ‘Pattog’ nga kuna tayo. We will have to remove water nga naur-urnong nga mabalin nga pagitlogan ken pagaduwan dagiti lamok. Lesser lamok, lesser chances of getting bitten, lesser chances of getting infected—ket haan kayo nga agsakit,” he said.

He further noted that preventing diseases not only protects individual health but also helps reduce the burden on hospitals and healthcare facilities.

“We do not want to congest our health facilities because it is not only expensive, it is also narigat on the part ti pasyente ken ti agbantay. Narigat ti agbantay karkaru nu napunpunno ti tao diay facility. So let us all join hands again ditoy intervention—daytoy ‘Pattog,’” he added.

With changing weather patterns increasing the risk of seasonal diseases, the Kalinga Provincial Health Office continues to strengthen public awareness campaigns, encouraging residents to practice proper hygiene, eliminate mosquito breeding sites, and seek immediate medical attention when symptoms arise.