Dr. Salaver: Cleanliness is still the solution for dengue

The Malay Municipal Health Office (MHO) will not get tired of informing and reminding that nothing will change or the only thing that could actually help to prevent dengue is to clean our surroundings.

This is what Municipal Health Officer Dr. Adrian Salaver had clarified as a response to the alarming cases of dengue not only in Caticlan but as well as other places.

That is why, through a campaign, they are pressing on this matter, reminding the public that the cooperation of the whole community is needed in this kind of problem.

According to him it is not just the MHO that should take action, as it would be better if the whole community and the barangay officials would also take the initiative.

For instance, he said, with cleaning of surroundings, those who are not doing their part should be reported to the Barangay so that the officials will be responsible in dealing with them.

As the mosquitoes, as a vector, are transferring from one place to another, it would be useless if a single household would clean their area, while their neighbors won’t actually do their part.

Dengue Claims the Lives of Three Kids at Barangay Caticlan

It was confirmed by the Secretary of the Caticlan Council that there have been three (3) registered deaths from Dengue at Barangay Caticlan.

According to the Secretary, one (1) was in the month of May, and the two (2) were just this past week. The fatalities were six (6) year olds. The two fatalities were stricken with Dengue almost at the same time and both were residents of Sitio Tabon, Barangay Caticlan. The two were neighbors.

Because of the alarming incident, the Barangay Officials, spearheaded by the Caticlan Barangay Captain, Julieta Aron, are now said to be making moves to convince their Barangay to clean their surroundings.

Aside from this, an inspection has allegedly been conducted at the vicinity of the Dengue victims and found that places where mosquitoes could lay their eggs and garbage existed.

As a result, a thorough campaign is now being held to give warning to residents at the Barangay. Schools are also included in the campaign in order to avoid further deaths from Dengue.

Operation of Motorcycles in Boracay Is Prohibited and Impossible to Be Legalized

It is against the law to use single motorcycles as a means of public transport that is why it is prohibited in Boracay said Malay Transportation Officer Cezar Oczon.

According to Oczon, the operation of the said motorcycles as a public utility vehicle is against the national law, and even this town has its ordinance about this matter.

He explained that these motorcycles, unlike the tricycles, cannot be issued a franchise for its operation to be legal.

In line with this, Oczon referred to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to answer similar questions as this subject is under their expertise.

However, he clarified that the case for motorcycles is a different case with the motorbikes for rent. The latter is legal as it is not used as a commuter vehicle.

Meanwhile, although prohibited, a number of commuters are actually defending the operation of these motorcycles.

For them single motorcycles are of a big help especially during the night time, as the tricycles do sometimes have preferred passengers making the motorcycles in demand.

Oczon added that it is impossible for these motorcycles' operation to be made legal on the island despite of the convenience it gives to commuters.

BLTMPC Ready To Act On Any Irregularity

The Boracay Land Transportation Multi Purpose Cooperative (BLTMPC) is ready to discipline if there is reported breaking of rule or if unsatisfactory service is rendered by a tricycle driver in Boracay Island.

According to the BLTMPC Manager Ryan Tubi, this includes choosing passengers, overloading, not letting students from Boracay get a ride, not wearing the correct uniform and other violations.

Tubi revealed that there have been instances wherein drivers and operators of the cooperative have been penalized or suspended after complaints were made and the complaints were confirmed in the cooperative’s investigation.

He added that many have been given warnings to be reminded of the correct service and how to follow the cooperative’s rules.

Meanwhile, it was made clear by Tubi that only six (6) persons are allowed to ride a tricycle from the designated tricycle queue area to avoid overloading. This consists of two (2) passengers in front, three (3) passengers at the back and one (1) on the back ride.

The statement was made by Tubi following an observation that there are some tricycles carrying more than six (6) passengers. Upon reaching Manoc-Manoc at the area where there is higher road level, if the tricycle could not carry the load, passengers are told to alight to push the tricycle.

20 seized motorcycles to be transported to Mainland Malay

The Local Government of Malay recently holds 20 units of impounded motorcycles.

The motorcycles which were apprehended due to the lack of permit to transport are intended to be dispatched back to the mainland.

This followed after the local government has strictly implemented a rule for motorcycles and other types of vehicles which are already quite numerous for the island.

Those which will fail to provide the proper documents will be transported out of Boracay to lessen the traffic.

According to Island Administrator Glenn Sacapano, these 20 apprehended units are without a permit to transport and will be sent to the mainland to settle the violations committed.

However he doesn’t know when these units will be transported.

Earlier this month Malay Mayor John Yap’s Memorandum order has been implemented. The memorandum declares the suspension of issuance of permit to transport by the LGU, which covers all types of vehicles, and will be effective until the end of this year.