Senator Loren Legarda has called on local governments to adopt best practices to curb the surge in dengue cases.
Legarda expressed alarm over the sharp rise in 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,” the author of the National Environmental Awareness Education Act and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act 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.
The senator from Antique also urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to enforce the Philippine Clean Water Act, which designates water quality management areas under local government supervision.
Legarda stressed that improper water management threatens public health and called for stronger policies to maintain clean water systems.
“Environmental education should be taught in a way that environmental concepts and principles, environmental laws, the state of international and local environment, as well as local environmental best practices should be followed,” she said.
“We must make citizens aware of their responsibility to protect and conserve the environment, as well as rehabilitating natural resources and make it sustainable.”
Quezon City declared a dengue outbreak on February 15, reporting nearly 1,800 cases in 2025—up almost 200% from last year—with 10 fatalities, including eight minors.
The Department of Health (DOH) warned that eight more areas in Calabarzon, Central Luzon, and Metro Manila could declare outbreaks.
Nationwide, over 43,000 cases have been recorded as of February 15, marking a 56% increase from last year.IMT
