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Laoag urges brgys to step up leptospirosis prevention

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By Dominic B. dela Cruz; Staff reporter

Laoag City—The city government here is urging all 80 punong barangays to intensify awareness, prevention and response measures against leptospirosis to reduce infections during and after heavy rains.

Laoag Councilor Justine Clarence Chua reminded barangay officials that Laoag’s frequent tropical cyclones and prolonged rainfall increase the risk of waterborne diseases transmitted through floodwaters and contaminated soil, including leptospirosis. He described the disease as a serious bacterial infection that can cause high fever, jaundice, kidney failure, meningitis and death, and warned that even a few cases can burden local health services and families. The City Health Office reports four confirmed cases since July 2025, including two from Barangay Bengcag and two fatal cases from Barangays 6 and 46.

Chua said barangay health workers, working with punong barangays, are key to early detection, reporting, education and referrals that enable prompt medical care. He urged visible, consistent leadership at the barangay level to ensure residents follow health advisories, practice proper hygiene after floods, seek immediate care for suspected infections, and participate in community clean‑up and rodent‑control activities. Free medicines for treatment are available at the City Health Office through Department of Health support, he added.

Separately, Laoag Liga ng mga Barangay President and Sangguniang Panlungsod ex‑officio member Roque “Rbee” Ablan encouraged eligible elective and appointive barangay officials to apply for the Barangay Official Eligibility (BOE) from the Civil Service Commission. Ablan noted that the BOE is equivalent to the Career Service Subprofessional Eligibility and may be used for appointment to first‑level career service positions, subject to exclusions for board‑regulated or specially qualified posts. He said the eligibility is granted to officials who have completed their terms—elective officials (punong barangay, regular Sangguniang Barangay members, SK chairmen) and appointive officials (barangay treasurers and secretaries appointed by a duly elected punong barangay).

Ablan outlined application options—personal filing, authorized representative with letter and valid ID, submission through the regional CSC field office where the official served, or by mail/courier—and said the Sangguniang Panlungsod supports efforts to help barangay officials secure the BOE to advance their professional prospects and access civil service opportunities.

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