200 residents in Valenzuela barangay downed by heat, pollution

MANILA, Philippines - More than 200 residents in Barangay Ugong, Valenzuela City were treated for “acute pulmonary illness” for the month of January alone, barangay chairman Vitaliano Lota said yesterday.

Lota blamed the illness due to the high temperature and fumes from factories. He said Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian has ordered a house-to-house survey to find out exactly how many residents have been affected and to give them medical assistance.

According to the barangay health center’s morbidity report, of 400 patients treated last month, at least half suffered from “acute pulmonary illness.”

Barangay health workers are still compiling records for the month of Febuary.

Lota said the “hot weather” may have contributed to the outbreak of the disease, though there were no reported fatalities.

But some residents interviewed by The STAR blamed the illness on the fumes from factories, recycling plants and piggeries that abound in the area.

Data from the city environment department showed that there are about 1,700 factories operating in Valenzuela, mostly involved in recycling plastic materials and other industries.       – Perseus Echeminada