With only less than a third of Davao City barangays with their own Mosquito-Borne Viral Disease Task Force, former Davao City congressman Karlo Nograles on Tuesday committed to extend “whatever support necessary” to ensure that measures are in place to protect Dabawenyos from the scourge of dengue.
According to the former Civil Service Commission chief, “dengue remains a serious public health threat, not just in Davao City but across the Philippines. In 2024, Davao City recorded 7,089 dengue cases and 55 fatalities, up from 6,784 cases and 52 deaths in 2023. Even one death is one death too many because every case of dengue is preventable.”
“Our best defense against dengue is not just treating those who get sick but ensuring fewer people get Dengue in the first place. Given the recent statistics, it’s clear that we need to intensify our efforts in eliminating breeding grounds, keeping our surroundings clean, and making Davao inhospitable for mosquitoes.”
Aside from tapping barangays, Nograles said that it would also be beneficial to look at the general cleanliness and sanitation of the city and assess its impact on the spread of dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
The longtime public servant pointed out that if prevention is the objective, battling dengue should be a year-round program instead of a seasonal campaign.
“There is already a proven strategy to fight dengue—the 5S: Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, Secure self-protection measures, Seek early consultation, Support fogging in outbreak areas, and Sustain hydration and medical intervention. But a strategy only works if it is implemented and everyone in the community is an active participant.”
The activation of a Mosquito-Borne Viral Disease Task Force in each barangay, said Nograles, would be crucial in such efforts. He explained that “dengue is not just a health issue; it’s a community issue. With thousands of cases annually in our city, every home, barangay, and business must do its part in keeping our surroundings clean and free from stagnant water. We need our barangay leaders to organize our community efforts against dengue, and we will give them every resource they need to defeat dengue.”
Aside from tapping barangays, Nograles said that it would also be beneficial to look at the general cleanliness and sanitation of the city and assess its impact on the spread of dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
“We need to revisit how we manage our urban spaces. Clean surroundings, proper waste disposal, and strict enforcement of sanitation measures should be part of our daily routine, not just when dengue cases rise.”
