No dengue outbreak in Sto. Tomas–DOH

STO. TOMAS, Pampanga–The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday refuted reports about the outbreak of the deadly dengue disease in Barangay Moras dela Paz here. DOH regional director Leonita Gorgolon said there is “no outbreak in Sto. Tomas” contrary to reports aired over national television.
Gorgolon personally visited the reported barangay and talked with municipal health workers and the barangay chairman to clarify the report, which alarmed the public and the local government of Pampanga.
Contrary to report of alleged dengue outbreak, the records of the town’s health office show that there are only three suspected dengue cases at the barangay since Friday of last week.
Gorgolon stressed that DOH is the only office that should do the announcement in case of a dengue outbreak.
‘Under control’
Mayor Joselito Naguit and the Provincial Health Office (PHO) announced Monday that the spread of dengue in their town has been “contained and is now under control”.
Naguit disclosed that in May this year, dengue cases in the said village increased to 22 and one of the victims died due to shock.
Relative to this, the mayor has implemented canalization project to clear stagnant water that served as breeding grounds of dengue-carrying mosquitoes in the area.
“Kaya kontrolado na ang sitwasyon. Malinis na iyong lugar at maayos na ang mga daluyang tubig at nagtulong-tulong ang mga kababayan natin kasama na ang mga opisyal ng barangay, munisipyo at pati na ang Kapitolyo (The situation is under control. The area is now clean and the waterways are cleared. Our people had actively participated, including the village, municipal and even the Capitol officials),” the mayor said.
Pampanga Mayors League (PML) president and Candaba town mayor, Jerry Pelayo has also helped the village officials through the implementation of massive clean-up with the participation of the community in the said village.
Dr. Marcelo Jaochico, PHO officer, said Governor Lilia “Nanay” G. Pineda has also assisted dengue patients who had been admitted in district hospitals by shouldering their hospital bills and other expenses.
Jaochico added that the provincial government has deployed its staff to monitor the situation and is consistently imposing measures in controlling the spread of the deadly disease.
“We implement the Four ‘S’ campaign which include: searching and destroying possible breeding grounds of dengue-carrying mosquitoes; wearing of long sleeved-shirts and long pants for protection; seeking health professionals for a fever that lasts two days or more; and, saying no to indiscriminate fogging,” Jaochico said.
The PHO officer said the campaign should be the battle cry of everybody. “It should generate the active participation of government agencies, community action and involvement and commitment of private sectors as well.
He disclosed that based on record, the rise of dengue cases has deteriorated last June and as of this week of July, the PHO has not received reports of even a single case of dengue in that particular area.By Elaine T. Mercado & Au Catu

AirAsia launches low fare package

CLARK FREEPORT–Philippines’ AirAsia launched on Monday its “special ultra-low fare promotion” as part of its 100 days of operations celebration in the country.

“The new promo is a way to thank the public for the strong support they have given Philippines AirAsia throughout its first 100 days operation in the country,” Maan Hontiveros, AirAsia Inc. Chief Executive Officer, said.

Dubbed as the “100 Hours Special! Philippines’ AirAsia 100 Days into Airvolution” features destinations such as Kalibo, Davao and Puerto Princesa in all-in fare as low as P275 one way.

The special promotion is available for booking from today until July 14 via www.airasia.com as well as through its call centres at this number: +632 588 9999.

Travelers can also fly to Hong Kong from P688; to Kuala Lumpur from P1, 580 and Macau from P588. All fares quoted are for one way travel only. Guests will be able to travel from July 19 to November 30.

Hontiveros said AirAsia is the first airline in the country to promote the “all-in” fare concept and currently flies directly from Clark to Kalibo, Davao and Puerto Princesa. She added that the airline also connects all their guests to nearly 80 destinations across 20 countries through its 16 hubs in the region.

Moreover, AirAsia guests also have the option for travel insurance and get covered with AirAsia Insure and earn 200 BIG points under the airline’s global loyalty program.

Aside from the launching of their all-in program, AirAsia also provided opportunities for less privileged children to pursue their photography skills.

With the help of the Department of Tourism, Canon Philippines and SM Cares and Wings of Change, AirAsia opened an exhibit showcasing selected photographs of hearing impaired children as part of its corporate social responsibility program.

The photo exhibit, which featured the airline’s milestones, will be on display at various domestic airports in the country and at SM malls in Luzon.

AirAsia’s related companies include Malaysia AirAsia, Thai AirAsia, Indonesia AirAsia, AirAsia Japan and Malaysia’s long-haul carrier, AirAsia X.

Pampanga crime rate down by 57%

MACABEBE, Pampanga—Crime rate in the province dropped by 57 percent in the first half of 2012 compared to the same period last year, Senior Supt. Edgardo Tinio, provincial police director, announced yesterday.

Based on the data obtained from the Provincial Police Office (PPO), the total crime volume recorded from January to June of 2011 is 1,755 while crimes documented for the same month of 2012 is 693—a difference of 1,062 incidents.

Tinio noted an average monthly crime volume of 23.57 in 2011 compared to 10.11 for this year.

The police director said the decrease in crime rate is due to the stringent implementation of Police Integrated Patrol System and Comparative Statistics on crime rate areas that serves as basis for their strategies in felony prevention.

He also attributed this “remarkable” accomplishment to the provincial government and with the support given by Gov. Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda.

The governor has intensified peace and order through distribution of motorcycle patrols to every barangay and trainings she funded for the barangay peace-keeping force.

“We acknowledge the full support given by Gov. Lilia Pineda to maintain peace and order in the province. She helped us tap the village officials to become force multipliers in crime prevention,” Tinio said.

To maintain low crime rate in the province, the police director urged everyone to take part in the campaign against lawless elements.

“Peace and order is everybody’s concern. Hindi natin pwedeng iasa lahat sa kapulisan”, he added.–JENNA LUMBANG