The Department of the Interior and Local Government has directed all local government units (LGUs) to intensify health protection measures this rainy season since communities face heightened risks of water-borne illnesses, influenza-like illnesses, leptospirosis, and dengue, or WILD.
In Memorandum Circular 2025-074 issued Aug. 22, the DILG tasked LGUs to fully implement the guidelines on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management for Health (DRRM-H) and to support the Department of Health in rolling out preventive strategies against these diseases, which historically surge during the wet months.
Under the directive, LGUs must strengthen disease surveillance and control systems; secure safe water and sanitation; ensure continuous access to health services and emergency supplies; and activate their emergency operations centers, inter-agency coordinating cells, and local DRRM councils for swift and coordinated response.
LGUs are also expected to roll out “Kalusugan sa Tag-Ulan” information materials, conduct intensive IEC campaigns, and mobilize barangay-level solid waste management committees under the Kalinisan sa Bagong Pilipinas initiative to sustain community cleanup operations and promote ecological health. The
DILG reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the DOH in safeguarding Filipinos from the dangers of WILD diseases, and in promoting long-term, community-based health and environmental resilience, it added. ||
