In the wake of a recent surge in dengue cases across the country, the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) have ramped up collaborative efforts to protect communities from the mosquito-borne disease.
From July 20 to August 2, 2025, the DOH recorded at least 15,161 dengue cases, which is a two percent increase from the 14,909 cases logged in the previous two weeks. The rise in numbers came shortly after tropical cyclones Crising, Dante, and Emong swept through various regions, leaving many areas flooded and vulnerable.
To address the rising threat, the DILG has issued a strong directive to all local government units (LGUs) to step up their dengue prevention and control measures. This initiative, aligned with the mandate of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., focuses on community-based strategies to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and improve public health readiness.
“Ngayong panahon ng baha at bagyo, mas lalong nagiging delikado ang ating mga komunidad sa dengue. Ang simpleng stagnant water, gulong, o container ay maaaring maging pugad ng lamok. Kaya’t mahalaga ang sama-samang aksyon ng barangay at komunidad upang mapanatiling ligtas ang ating mga pamilya,” the DILG emphasized in its August 19 statement.
Under Memorandum Circular 2025-011, LGUs were instructed to launch intensified community-wide clean-up drives, conduct search-and-destroy operations, declog canals, and incorporate dengue prevention into disaster response operations.
The circular also called for sufficient allocation of local resources to support these efforts, including the procurement of larvicides and the deployment of health workers and volunteers.
In response, the DOH has expressed its gratitude for the DILG’s proactive role in mobilizing local governments.
“The Department of Health extends its sincere appreciation to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), especially Sec. Jonvic Remulla for their continued support in strengthening our efforts to fight dengue,” the DOH said in a statement issued August 24.
“With the DILG's directives and coordination with Local Government Units (LGU), we are able to give emphasis to our objective to raise awareness, and take timely action to prevent the spread of dengue,” the statement continued.
The DOH also highlighted that these joint efforts help deliver critical health services in line with the vision of President Marcos to bring government services directly to the people.
Communities are urged to take an active role in the campaign as the DILG stressed: “Ang laban kontra dengue ay hindi lamang responsibilidad ng pamahalaan, kundi ng bawat isa sa atin. Kapag naglinis ang barangay, maglinis din ang bawat tahanan. Kapag nagtulungan, mas ligtas ang lahat.”
As the dengue threat looms amid ongoing weather disturbances, both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to protecting public health through sustained collaboration and grassroots mobilization.
“We look forward to continuing this strong partnership to protect the health and well-being of every Filipino. Maraming salamat po,” the DOH concluded.
