CITY BOOSTS BRGY.-BASED ACTION IN FIGHT AGAINST DENGUE AMID RISING CASES

May 25, 2025 Metro BLISTT

BAGUIO CITY

City health officials are pivoting to a more barangay-centered strategy, empowering communities to become the front line of defense in curbing the dreaded dengue virus in the outskirt communities. Data gathered from January to March 2025, the City Health Services Office (CHSO) recorded 275 dengue cases, triggering targeted responses in high-risk barangays. The alarming rise has prompted officials to focus on ground-level prevention and surveillance instead of relying solely on citywide campaigns. Rather than launching large-scale fogging operations, the CHSO has shifted to educating households about eliminating breeding sites.

Community leaders now serve as “dengue wardens,” leading weekly clean-ups and monitoring compliance with anti-dengue Ordinance 66-2016. Health officials stress that this bottom-up approach ensures sustainable action. “Barangays know their terrain best,” said Dr. Celia Brillantes, CHSO Head. “This model promotes ownership of public health efforts and faster response to early symptoms or outbreaks.” The city government has also rolled out mobile IEC (Information, Education, Communication) caravans targeting schools and market areas.

These mini-campaigns equip residents with knowledge on identifying early signs of dengue and encourage timely medical consultations.
The enhanced ordinance implementation includes penalties for property owners who fail to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. The Public Order and Safety Division (POSD) has already issued 38 citations since April, particularly in areas with recurring case surges.
While no fatalities have been reported in 2025 so far, city health workers emphasize vigilance. “The numbers are lower compared to 2022, but the rainy season can reverse that overnight,” warned Brillantes. “Prevention must be proactive, not reactive.” Baguio’s dengue strategy
now hinges on civic discipline and barangay vigilance. By decentralizing prevention, the city hopes to not just contain outbreaks, but foster a health-conscious culture that could outlast the virus season.

Jhomel Keith Nuezca/UC-Intern