Senator Loren Legarda is calling on local government agencies to take proactive measures to curb the rising dengue cases in the country.
The report by RH 28 Raymund Dadpaas stated that the senator is alarmed by the rising cases of dengue. Moreover, Legarda is calling on the citizens, local government units (LGUs), and Landfill Operators to take action and help bring down dengue cases.
"We call on our citizens, local government units and landfill operators to take proactive measures in reducing mosquito populations by maintaining cleanliness in their areas and ensuring proper waste management and disposal," Legarda said.
Legarda highlighted that poor waste management can result in mosquitoes utilizing stagnant waters as their breeding ground, which can later cause the disease.
"Poorly managed waste, especially during the rainy season, can collect water and become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. It is essential to eliminate stagnant water sources and properly dispose of trash to prevent disease outbreaks," she highlighted.
With this, the senator called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the proper implementation of the Philippine Clean Water Act, which Legarda authored. The act designates water quality management areas with the LGUs who are manning the board. Legarda also mentioned other laws she authored like the National Environmental Awareness Education Act and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
Legarda also emphasized how improper water handling can harm public health and lead to illnesses like dengue. She suggested that the board should implement strategies and policies to improve and maintain sewerage or septage programs and ensure a clean water supply.
"Environmental education should be taught in a way that environmental concepts and principles, environmental laws, the state of [the] international and local environment, as well as local environmental best practices should be followed," Legarda emphasized.
"We must make citizens aware of their responsibility to protect and conserve the environment, as well as rehabilitating natural resources and make it sustainable," she added.
Quezon City declared a dengue outbreak last February 15, while other areas like CALABARZON, Central Luzon, and the National Capital Region (NCR) may also declare a dengue outbreak due to the significant rise in cases.
As of February 15, there have been over 43,000 recorded cases of the illness, a 56% increase compared to 2024, the Department of Health (DOH) indicated.
