⌛ Real issues in Dumaguete

I am here on the forum today after a weeks absence. Refreshing to see everyone still talking about relevant topics such as Robinsons pro or con...

There are some very real problems here that can and will have a far more profound effect on all of us living here. My reason for being absent was an illness in my family. One of my relatives contracted both Dengue Fever and Typhoid fever simultaneously last week. I always thought we were somewhat isolated from those two maladys in Dumaguete. Well we are not.

Luckily because of the excellent diagnostic job done quickly at Silliman University Hospital, we were spared a tragedy, and my step daughter is now nearly fully recovered.

What I found out was that Dengue has increased in reported cases 70% over last year here in Dumaguete. In addition some research on my part has led me to find out the rivers in Negros Oriental have recently tested positive for Choliform bacteria well above levels considered safe for human consumption. This would certainly include the Banica river which for all intents has become a sewer running through Dumaguete.

Dengue is contracted from the bite of a mosquito which is a daytime feeder only. Typhoid can be contracted by drinking polluted water or eating improperly washed or cooked food.

We quickly had our water tested by a local laboratory and it tested safe. We can assume that she ate something out and or drank tap water somewhere that was contaminated. She had recently been visiting friends prior to her college graduation, so the Dengue is a mystery.

We are happy to report Mae-an is out of danger, did in fact graduate and we are thankful for that. My advice is to not be complacent about these kinds of diseases and take precautions. Act quickly if you have a persistent high fever, and get medical attention.

 

Thank’s RHB for this reports…. First that’s what the people and the government officials have to put their concern of ….how to manage properly the invironment, proper waste desposal, ,,,,, water treatment,,, before they can get different illnesses….epedimy etc… (even alraedy happening now )than thinking where to spend their money for shopping.

 

RHB So glad your step daughter Mae-an is well again
I don't pretend to have the answer, I am not clever enough, nor do I blame anybody Yabs.You might be suprised just how much people do care.

thanks for sharing this experience RHB......regards john

 

I have no problem with a chit chat forum being what it is, but sometimes we should have some real info about life in dumaguete and perhaps the forum could become a tool for change, for the good.

whether a mall comes here makes little difference to me, one mal will not change the thinking of dumaguete residents. What happened when Lee built his plaza? where there expats and locals screaming YES, NO?

The point is progress for better or worse will come, we have no say in that. what individuals can do is just once in a while focus on the real issues that are of concern in our daily lives, just maybe adressing them one at a time from thre bottom up, asking the right questions instead of mindless arguing of opinions might affect a positive change.

Rhoody recently joined a group of scuba bussiness investors, local politicians and dive masters to preserve the reefs and sanctuaries and promote responsible tourism. Great. Proactive thinking in advance of the destructive forces that threaten the very draw Dumaguete has for many.


Tourism nearly always has a negative effect on the environment, the natural waterfalls and lakes of Negros have already begun to develop in order to draw even more people here. The local politicians see nothing beyond the revenue that can be generated by attracting more tourists. Balanan lake is a tourist disaster now: karaoke lounge, restaurant, hotel... what was once only a year or two ago, a pristine natural wonder will soon become a tattered over used tourist trap. The Twin Lakes at Balasaysayo is currently undergoing a similar transformation.
Tourists who come for a short vacation don't care, they have no stake, do you?

And I speak not only to expats living here, but local Filipinos who can't wait for the mall to come, or anyone who thinks progress is sipping coffee at Starbucks.

 

Thank you RHB , this is a very good act of you by putting informations whats going on there, not only promoting something but also writing here the life reality there(what happen to the surroundings), especially for us who are far away this is very informative RHB.

 

May I ask a question as someone who has yet to visit Duma.
Do the OSW/Foreign Property owners have septic-tanks in their back garden?
Is there an official incinerator site were rubbish/household waste is burnt to prevent disease and vermin? These basic's would go a long way to helping both Health and the Environment.
Before anyone comments, yes I do realise some of the local community would not be able to implement septic-tanks.

 

Thanks Daff's, this probably not so fun to talk about or think about, but it has a little more relavence than whether a mall will open in dumaguete in the next 5 years.
People who live in compounds and eat at home or fancy restaurants every night, have sometimes no clue as to the risks associated with living in a developing country.

 

RHB - good to hear the young lass has recovered ok. I agree with you about addressing some of the real issues. There have been outbreaks of Dengue fever for many years in Dumaguete. Some of my rellies were sick with dengue in Sibulan last year and I am told there was another outbreak in January. I have read about a program in Cebu where they have mapped the problem areas for dengue and are using a german manufactured chemical which treats a large waterway with a small amount. A german/filipina scientist is providing the treatment.

There are so many intelligent expats around Duma, I'm sure they could take on a project like this (or similar) and make a real difference to the lives of the locals. This is the sort of thing I would love to be involved in once I get over there full time.

cheers

lofty

 

You would think the public health system would track Dengue cases at the hospital and target potential sources. For all I know maybe they do, but I don't think so. I was thinking of asking the doctors what the cases number for Dengue was, but i got too wrapped up in our personal situation to ask.
There was at least one other case in the emergency room when we arrived last Saturday evening. Statistics are being gathered, because I read an article indicating the percentage increase here.

In our case we happened to run into a public health official at the hospital(who we knew) and they had the city come test our water, no charge. This was for the Typhoid infection. Under normal circumstances you would have to pay for this service, which means no one does this here.

With the predicted wetter rainy season comming, it won't get better.


Just added this as it seems to be pertinent info:

Dengue prone areas

Dr. Villamor also revealed that of the top five dengue-prone areas in the province, Dumaguete City ranked number 1.

Dumaguete City has a total of 66 cases reported from the first week of January to February 26, 2008 or an increase of 21 cases this year compared to 45 cases last year.

Sibulan town, on the other hand, ranked number 2 with 34 cases.

Tanjay City ranked third on the list with 11 cases.

The city of Bais ranked 4th with eight cases while the towns of Valencia and Dauin tied at 5th with six cases each.