With dengue cases surging across the Philippines, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, has urged local officials and the public to intensify their efforts to prevent the spread of the mosquito-borne disease.
Highlighting the importance of proactive measures, he emphasized the Department of Health’s (DOH) “5S” strategy and called on local leaders to take the lead in safeguarding their communities.
“Unang-una, paalala ko po sa ating mga barangay officials—nasa inyo po ‘yung unang tugon ng gobyerno at unang pagseserbisyo, lalung-lalo na po ngayon na tumataas ang cases ng dengue sa buong Pilipinas,” said Senator Go during an ambush interview on Thursday, February 20, in San Fernando City, Pampanga.
“Mahalaga po sa akin ang kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino dahil katumbas po ng kalusugan ay buhay ng bawat Pilipino.”
The DOH has reported a 40% increase in dengue cases compared to last year, with over 28,000 cases recorded as of February 1. The spike has been particularly alarming in urban centers, with Quezon City declaring an outbreak after recording 10 deaths among 1,769 cases.
Communities in affected areas have implemented drastic measures, such as the mosquito bounty program in Mandaluyong City, where residents are rewarded for capturing mosquitoes and larvae to curb their population.
Senator Go underscored the necessity of following the DOH’s 5S strategy, starting with search and destroy, which involves eliminating mosquito breeding sites. “Ito po ‘yung mga mosquito breeding places. Bantayan n’yo po ‘yung mga pinanggagalingan ng mga lamok,” he urged.
He also emphasized the importance of self-protection, urging the public to use preventive measures against mosquito bites. “Secure self-protection. Ibig sabihin, dapat po protektado tayo para hindi tayo makakagat.”
To prevent severe complications, Senator Go reminded the public to seek early consultation at healthcare facilities, including the Super Health Centers, which are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early detection.
“Magpa-check-up agad kayo ‘pag may nararamdaman kayong kakaiba. Ibig sabihin, seek early consultation para mas protektado po kayo. Para hindi lumala—at hindi lumaki ‘yung sakit.”
Through the concerted efforts of Go, fellow lawmakers, the Department of Health (DOH), led by Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, and local government units, adequate funding was allocated for establishing more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide.
He also called for community support in allowing fogging operations, which help control mosquito populations in high-risk areas.
Lastly, Senator Go stressed the importance of proper hydration, particularly for individuals experiencing dengue symptoms. “Importante po na uminom ng sapat na tubig. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate para hindi tayo ma-dehydrate lalo na kung may lagnat.”
Health officials continue to stress the need for community participation in dengue prevention efforts, particularly in maintaining cleanliness and eliminating stagnant water where mosquitoes thrive.
With the outbreak intensifying in various provinces, Senator Go reaffirmed his dedication to pushing for stronger public health initiatives, ensuring that communities are equipped to combat the disease. “Tulungan n’yo po ang ating mga kababayan sa barangay,” he reiterated, addressing local leaders directly.
