Emano calls for transparency, regular sanitation amid Cogon Market health concern

Councilor Yevonna Yacine B. Emano called for transparency and stronger sanitation efforts as the City Council tackled the reported leptospirosis issue at the Cogon Public Market during the committee on health meeting.

“I’m very grateful that this matter was tackled in the committee,” Emano said, referring to Mrs. Dragon, the mother of a Sangguniang Kabataan official from Barangay 31 who speculatively died of leptospirosis.

While acknowledging the City Health Office’s finding that no confirmed leptospirosis symptoms were recorded, Emano noted that there were certain patterns similar if infected by the same bacteria, adding that the reported symptoms were consistent with those discussed by medical professionals.

“It hurts that we disregard it as false, given that a life or two were taken,” she said, clarifying that she was not pointing fingers at anyone, but was calling for accountability and clarity.

Emano explained that leptospirosis-related deaths may result in complications such as renal failure, noting, “Sometimes dili man gyud leptospirosis ang cause of death, but the complications that come with it.”

She also addressed the clamor on social media, saying, “Health problem is never a fake news. One or two persons na mamatay tungod ani unya ingnon nato fake news, that’s painful, and that’s hard.”

Emano stressed that public office is a public trust, urging that inspections of public markets be thorough and not short-term, particularly following flooding incidents during the Christmas and New Year season.

“Let’s be transparent on what we have done and what we are doing to ensure these things will not happen again,” she said, adding that regular fumigation and stricter enforcement of sanitation rules should be considered to protect both vendors and consumers. (JAO/SP)