By: Jhimus Barrios, Regional Correspondent (Bicol)

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – The Albay provincial government is considering recommending a state of calamity declaration as dengue cases in the province climbed to 1,529, including 13 deaths.

The dengue situation was taken up during an emergency meeting on Sept. 8 attended by members of the Provincial Board and Department of Health-Bicol Regional Director Voltaire Guadalupe.

During the meeting, health officials reported that the province had already surpassed the epidemic level based on comparisons with dengue figures recorded over the previous three years.

The provincial government will bring the recommendation for a state of calamity declaration before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan as it steps up efforts to contain the continuing increase in infections.

As part of the intensified response, Gov. Noel Rosal issued Executive Order No. 51, Series of 2026, on Sept. 9, ordering the reactivation and strengthening of the Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue (ABKD) and Barangay Dengue Brigades across Albay.

The order calls for the reactivation or organization of Barangay Dengue Brigades as community mobilization teams and directs barangay officials, health workers, emergency response personnel, volunteers, schools, private establishments, and residents to participate in dengue prevention efforts.

It also institutionalizes the Four O’Clock Habit, urging households and establishments to inspect their surroundings at around 4 p.m. every day and remove potential mosquito breeding sites.

The province is also promoting the Department of Health’s 4S Strategy: Search and Destroy mosquito breeding places, Self-Protection measures, Seek Early Consultation, and Support Fogging/Spraying when indicated by health authorities.

Communities are likewise encouraged to observe the 4Ts — Taob, Taktak, Tuyo, at Takip — to prevent water from accumulating and becoming mosquito breeding grounds.

Rosal also inspected two provincial hospitals on Sept. 9 to assess their situation amid the dengue surge.

At the Josefina Belmonte Duran Albay Provincial Hospital in Ligao City, 16 dengue patients were admitted. The hospital has also set up a fast lane for dengue patients at its emergency room.

In Tabaco City, the Ziga Memorial District Hospital was attending to 26 dengue patients. Improvements to its outpatient department waiting area were nearing completion to provide additional space, particularly for senior citizens and children.

The provincial government continues to intensify barangay-level clean-up and source-reduction activities as part of its efforts to prevent and contain the spread of dengue.