Gov’t agencies, LGUs urged to conduct more initiatives vs dengue
Mosquito. 黑料社 FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Government agencies and local government units should coordinate and conduct clean-up drives, community awareness campaigns, and medical preparedness to combat the surge of dengue cases nationwide, a lawmaker said on Sunday.
Ang Probinsyano party-list Rep. Alfred delos Santos said these initiatives would help protect families from the disease.
READ: DOH launches ‘Alas-Kwatro Kontra Mosquito’ anti-dengue drive
“Every Filipino has a role in this fight against dengue. By maintaining cleanliness in our surroundings and being vigilant about early symptoms, we can protect our families and communities from this disease,” Delos Santos said in a statement on Sunday.
He likewise called on the government for an increase in funding for research on dengue vaccines and mosquito control methods.
“Dengue is preventable. With collective action, we can stop its spread through proper awareness, community cooperation, and timely intervention, ensuring a healthier and safer country for everyone,” Delos Santos said.
“The rise in dengue cases is a serious public health concern that requires swift government response and community cooperation. We must act now to prevent further infections and save lives,” he added.
Meanwhile, House Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin reiterated that vaccination is the key to addressing the surge in dengue cases.
Garin cited Brazil and Mexico for their “single-digit number of deaths” due to dengue. She also noted that those who received dengue vaccine do not experience severe symptoms.
“Hindi na kailangan dalhin sa ospital kapag mild [ang dengue]. Sayang ang oportunidad sa Pilipinas dahil nakinig tayo sa mga pekeng balita,” she said also on Sunday.
(There is no need to bring them to the hospital especially if they have mild symptoms of dengue. The opportunity in the Philippines was wasted due to fake news.)
In October 2023, the Office of the Ombudsman filed complaints against Garin and other Department of Health (DOH) officials before the Sandiganbayan, over the alleged realignment of public funds to purchase anti-dengue vaccines.
The anti-dengue vaccination program was initiated under the term of then-president Benigno Aquino III during which Garin was DOH secretary.
READ: Ex-DOH officials face complaints over Dengvaxia mess
READ: DOJ drops Dengvaxia cases vs Garin, 2 others
Based on the DOH latest data, over 43,000 dengue cases were logged nationwide from January to February 15 this year.
Also on February 15, Quezon City declared a dengue outbreak after recording 1,769 cases in the same period — nearly a 200 percent increase from last year.
Delos Santos noted that Tarlac has seen a 144 percent increase in dengue cases in the first six weeks of 2025, totaling 792 cases with one fatality. He added that the disease mainly affected the 10 to 19 age group.
Moreover, he said Bulacan’s 83 percent increase prompted the provincial government to establish the “Dengue Fast Lanes” initiative in hospitals.
Last month, the DOH launched its “Alas-Kwatro Kontra Mosquito” drive in a bid to prevent dengue cases nationwide from further increasing.
The agency simultaneously held a clean-up drive in Metro Manila 19 other areas across the country.
