LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines — The provincial government is exerting all efforts to control the spread of the dengue virus even as it ranks No. 3 in the region for having the most number of cases of dengue, after La Union and Ilocos Sur.

Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. visited the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital in San Carlos City recently and launched several response mechanisms to control the spread of the mosquito-borne disease.

Provincial Health Officer Ana de Guzman said that part of the response mechanisms set in place by the governor is a massive health information drive which centered in the barangay and market area.

Espino said the key in dealing with the dengue problem lies in how quickly local government units will respond to the situation so the first thing he assured is enough supply of medicines in all provincial government hospitals.

“Pangasinan government hospitals are now more equipped, more prepared, and more competent to respond to dengue,” Espino said.

He said that blood-letting activities are already being undertaken by the Liga ng mga Barangay and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) to ensure a steady supply of blood for dengue victims.

De Guzman reported that despite the high incidence of dengue cases this year, the fatality ratio this year is down to.9 percent from 1.38 percent last year.