Bigger mosquitoes alarmed residents of Purok Magkaisa in Barangay Sta. Monica while most of its officials suspected that its origin is from the grassy vacant lots with thick weeds and other vegetation.
Delfin Gatchalian, president of Purok Magkaisa in Barangay Sta. Monica said that most of the residents in their place fear that the spread of bigger-sized mosquitoes might be a threat to the health.
“Natatakot kami kasi sobrang malalaki ang mga lamok. Hindi na yung pangkaraniwang nakikita natin na lamok. Ang duda ko talaga ay galing itong mga insekto dyan sa mga hindi nalilinisan na lote masyado na kasing gubat. Wala namang canal o mga stagnant nga tubig na maaring pagmumulan nya. So, dito talaga sila nangaling sa mga bakanteng lupa,” he said.
He said that when he settled the place since 1989, he already observed the presence of bigger-sized mosquitoes. He also brought the matter to barangay officials and authorities.
He admitted that many of his neighbors were tempted to burn their wastes to rid mosquitoes and other insects but they fear that they will be fined for violating city ordinances banning open burning.
In one of their meetings, he said that they were informed by the city government employees that those who will be caught burning wastes will be issued citation ticket for the P1,500 penalty based on the existing city ordinance.
He further said that upon consultation with his neighbors in their purok, they wanted to call the attention of the lot owners and asked permission to enter their premises to do clearing and remove weeds and other vegetation.
“Plano ko na nga’ng puntahan sa City Hall para makita ko kung sino ang mga may-ari ng mga lupa na yan,” he added.
Barangay Sta. Monica was identified by the City Health Office that have posted high dengue cases last year, with San Pedro, San Miguel, San Jose and San Manuel.
Gatchalian explained that when the personnel of the city government visited their place during their purok meeting, he informed them about their predicament and requested them to conduct lecture on how they could minimize and rid these mosquitoes and other insects.