P5-M cloud seeding operation in Bohol fast-tracked

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA)—The Provincial Government of Bohol has fast-tracked the procurement of a P5-million cloud-seeding operation for the province to help mitigate the impact of El Niño on agriculture.

During the 3rd full-council meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) on September 17, Larry Pamugas of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) reported on the effects of El Niño on the agricultural and fisheries sectors, as well as the ongoing preparations for cloud seeding at both provincial and regional levels.

At the provincial level, Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte announced during the meeting that the contract could be awarded on Friday, September 18, following the placement of the procurement under emergency procedures due to its urgency.

Two companies—Pegasus and Fliteline—have reportedly expressed interest in carrying out the cloud-seeding operation.

The P5-million fund, sourced from the provincial disaster risk reduction and management fund, is said to be sufficient for approximately 31 hours of cloud-seeding flights.

Caberte also stated that the provincial government would negotiate with Aboitiz to reduce the cost of aircraft services.

If the contract is awarded on the scheduled date, cloud-seeding operations could begin on Monday, September 21.

Meanwhile at the regional level, another P7 million in funding from the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Soils and Water Management has been allocated for cloud seeding, though this is still undergoing the procurement process.

The PDRRMC emphasized the urgency of the operation as a mitigation measure against El Niño, which has been affecting agricultural production in Bohol.

During the third full council meeting of the PDRRMC, discussions focused on strengthening preparedness as the province faces potential drier conditions, ongoing threats to agriculture, health concerns, and other risks that could impact communities in the coming months. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

The 3rd full council meeting of the PDRRMC was held on September 17, 2026, at the SP Session Hall of the New Provincial Capitol in Tagbilaran City, where discussions focused on strengthening preparedness as the province faces potential drier conditions, ongoing threats to agriculture, health concerns, and other risks that could affect communities in the coming months. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

As dengue cases in Bohol rises, PHO warns that

mosquitoes are more active during dry season

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA)—It is a misconception that dengue cases usually rise only during the rainy season, a Provincial Health Office (PHO) official warn during the 3rd full-council meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) on September 17.

“Dili sakto ang pagtuo nga panahon lamang sa ting-uwan kasagarang mosaka ang mga kaso sa dengue. Mas aktibo ang lamok panahon sa ting-init tungod kay mas paspas kini gutmon ug mahimong mas agresibo sa pagpangita og dugo,” said Leonidas Saniel, Dengue Program Coordinator of PHO.

(It is a misconception that dengue cases typically rise only during the rainy season. Mosquitoes are more active during the dry season because they get hungry faster and become more aggressive in seeking blood).

Consequently, he advised the public not to be vigilant against dengue only during the rainy or dry seasons, but to maintain continuous prevention and monitoring efforts at all times.

Based on the latest data from the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU), recorded dengue cases in Bohol have risen to 2,942—including 20 deaths—for the period of January 1 to September 12, 2026.

Of these 2,942 cases, 12 were confirmed dengue-related deaths, two were probable, and six were suspected cases, resulting in a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 0.68 percent.

This figure is higher compared to the same period in 2025, which recorded 1,877 cases and five deaths, or a CFR of 0.27 percent.

The ages of those infected ranged from 0 to 94 years old, with a median age of 14.

Males accounted for the majority of cases at 50.78 percent. Children aged 5 to 10 were the most affected group, representing 22.60 percent of all recorded cases.

Tagbilaran City recorded the highest number of cases at 9.52 percent, followed by Talibon-8.46%, Ubay-6.53%, Tubigon-6.12%, and Inabanga-4.6%.

PHO urges the public to practice the "4S Kontra Dengue" strategy—particularly seeking early medical consultation if symptoms appear or dengue is suspected—to prevent the disease from worsening and potentially leading to death. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

4 O'Clock Search and Destroy. The PHO urges everyone to conduct a "Search and Destroy" operation daily at 4:00 PM in areas where mosquitoes live or breed. This is an ideal time to inspect the surroundings and prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs. (PHO/ PIA7-Bohol)