Sen. Loren Legarda has urged local government agencies to implement best practices to help reduce dengue cases in the Philippines.
Legarda, author of the National Environmental Awareness and Education Act and principal sponsor of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, expressed alarm over the sharp rise in dengue cases this year.
“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.
“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 added.
Legarda also urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to properly enforce the Philippine Clean Water Act, another law she authored, which designates water quality management areas monitored by local government units.
She stressed that improper water handling poses a public health risk, leading to diseases such as dengue.
She also called on the board overseeing these areas to implement policies to improve sewerage and septage programs and ensure a clean water supply.
“Environmental education should include environmental concepts and principles, environmental laws, the state of the local and international environment, and best practices,” Legarda said.
“We must make citizens aware of their responsibility to protect and conserve the environment, rehabilitate natural resources, and ensure sustainability.”
Quezon City declared a dengue outbreak on Feb. 15 after recording nearly 1,800 cases in 2025—a 200% year-on-year increase.
Of these cases, 10 fatalities have been recorded, including eight minors.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), eight other areas across the country may declare a dengue outbreak due to a significant rise in cases.
These areas include parts of Calabarzon, Central Luzon, and the National Capital Region.
Nationwide, there have been over 43,000 dengue cases as of Feb. 15, a 56% increase from the previous year, the DOH reported.
