Makati distributes anti-mosquito plants

The city government of Makati moved to protect residents from dengue-carrying mosquitoes by distributing various plants that help prevent the proliferation of dengue-causing mosquitoes.

Makati City Mayor Abby Binay said officials of the Makati Health Department, with the help of the Department of Environmental Services, gave residents of Barangay Pio del Pilar various plants which include Citronella, Oregano, Lantana and Lemongrass.

The goal of the program is to prevent the increase of mosquitoes in the community which could cause dengue and other diseases. 

Plants such as Citronella, Oregano, Lantana and Lemongrass contain natural properties that mosquitoes hate.

Residents of the city was told to maintain the cleanliness of their surroundings and remove stagnant water that accumulate after the rains. They were also urged to dispose of old tires and garden decorations that could become a nest for mosquitoes.

In August, Binay said the city government is fully prepared for the rainy days and the expected seasonal diseases which include dengue.

She assured Makatizens of their safety and welfare in case of flooding and other emergencies by investing in state-of-the-art equipment such as a mobile command center, mobile kitchen, mobile showers, and other necessary disaster response and rescue equipment that can be used for the rescue and evacuation of residents when the need arises.

Constituents were reminded on the diseases that the rainy season brings.

Binay said when wading through floodwater and have an open wound that is already healing, it is still possible to contract leptospirosis.

Parents and guardians of Makatizen children were told to prevent them from going outside their homes when there is flooding in their area.

"If it could not be prevented, please take extra care and wear boots when going through flooded areas," Binay stressed.

The city have programs being implemented in communities against dengue. 

This is aside from regular clean-up drives and  installed ovi traps to prevent the proliferation of mosquitoes. 

The city also conducts regular misting and fogging activities to kill mosquitoes in high density areas.

Ovi-larvi traps attract egg-laying female mosquitoes and kill their eggs and larvae.

Anti-dengue kits were also distributed to its students to educate them on preventive measures against the disease.

The kit contains a 250ml mosquito repellent lotion and a wristband with four citronella capsules that last up to three months per piece.

Binay had earlier urged the public to implement the "4S" strategy in their houses, campuses, and offices to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.

The 4S strategy involves searching and destroying mosquito-breeding sites, securing self-protection measures (use of insect repellent sprays/lotions, long sleeve shirts, and long pants), seeking early consultation, and supporting fogging and spraying in hotspot places.

The city government aside from dengue kits, also distributed boots and raincoats to its learners to ensure their protection from the bad weather.