MANILA, Philippines - The entire province of Iloilo is now under a state of calamity following a surge of dengue cases for the past 8 months.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved Tuesday the proposal to declare a state of calamity after recording 1,670 dengue cases in the province from January to August 10.

Vice-Governor Richard Garin said the declaration will allow the provincial government to tap 5% of its calamity fund, which will come from the 2009 re-enacted budget. He said the additional funds will allow officials to hire contractual medical technologists and nurses who will help fight the spread of the illness at the local level.

The Department of Health has recorded 40,648 dengue cases from January-July 2010, up 48% from 27,473 in the same period last year.

Dr. Eric Tayag, head of the DOH’s National Epidemiology Center, said he expects more cases to surface amid the rainy season.