Manila, Sept. 11 -- Albay's provincial government has declared a state of calamity amid continuously rising dengue cases since January, with 1,785 cumulative cases and 14 fatalities, the provincial health office said.

During a special session on Thursday afternoon, members of the Provincial Board seconded and approved a resolution on the matter, authored by Board Member Milagros Bal, chairperson of the Committee on Crisis and Emergency Management.

The declaration will allow the provincial government to access the Quick Response Fund to procure testing kits, vector-control chemicals, medical supplies, and equipment.

It also enables measures to stabilize the prices of necessities and to mobilize community-wide emergency response.

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