BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The rising cases of cholera among the local government units in the 3rd district of Negros Occidental, which has already claimed the lives of two persons in Silay City and EB Magalona, had Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez calling on residents to take the public health concern seriously.
Benitez, who led the North Central Negros Interlocal Health Zone meeting on Wednesday in Talisay City, underscored the regular monitoring of all water refilling stations and restaurants in the district, and discouraged the use of unregistered jetmatic water pumps.
He stressed that it is safer for private establishments to connect with their local water districts that are compliant with the sanitary standards.
Benitez also underscored the importance for LGUs to monitor open defecation and sewage treatment, along with the sanitary practices of establishments that handle food and beverages.
Of the 17 cholera cases in Negros Occidental, five each were logged in the cities of Silay and Talisay, as well as in EB Magalona, and one each in Victorias City and Calatrava. A cholera outbreak has been declared in three EB Magalona barangays.
The 3rd district solon further stressed also the importance of ensuring that initiatives and interventions are coordinated and urged everyone to work together closely so that all ways and means taken are effective.
Benitez urged all to learn from best practices as all city and municipal health officers reported status of cholera cases and what has been done.*
