PB member denies forcing Talisay to accept chemicals

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu provincial board member Sergio Restauro yesterday denied allegations that the province forced the Talisay City Health Office to accept the chemicals used for mist spraying alleged to be hazardous to health. 

Restauro, head of Task Force Dengue in the province, said the allegation was false since Talisay City health officer Dr. Lino Alansado requested for chemicals.

"I denied that, they even asked the province, particularly the Integrated Provincial Health Office, for chemicals for their barangays," he told The Freeman.

The World Health Organization said the Deluge, the chemical used in misting, is the world's safest pesticide.

Restauro said the province provides chemicals to barangays which have mist blower machines.

"We give the chemicals to barangays which have mist blower machines but not all barangays naay machines so magpaabot mi og request gikan sa mga barangay kung magpa-misting sila, mao to among adtoon," he said.

He also confirmed that they gave Talisay City eight liters of chemicals, four liters during the first misting and another four liters after it sent a request through the IPHO.

He said there should be strict implementation of DOH programs and policies, including the synchronization of LGU programs to those of DOH.

Capitol spokesperson Rory Jon Sepulveda said that representation of PB Restauro proves that the chemical used is effective since it will not only drive mosquitoes away but also kill the larvae.

Aside of being the head of Task Force Dengue in the province, Restauro as former city councilor of Talisay City is also the head of a task force against dengue in Talisay City. (FREEMAN)