Legarda calls for action as dengue cases surge in Phl

Senator Loren Legarda has urged local government agencies to implement best practices to curb the country's rising number of dengue cases.

Legarda, the author of the National Environmental Awareness Education Act and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, raised concerns over the sharp increase 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.

She warned that improper waste disposal, especially during the rainy season, can create mosquito breeding grounds. “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 called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to strictly enforce the Philippine Clean Water Act, which she authored. The law mandates local government units to oversee water quality management areas.

“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 rehabilitate natural resources and make it sustainable.”

Quezon City declared a dengue outbreak on 15 February following a surge in cases, with nearly 1,800 cases recorded in 2025 — an almost 200 percent year-on-year increase. Of these cases, 10 fatalities have been reported, including eight minors.

The Department of Health (DOH) said eight other areas in the country, including those in Calabarzon, Central Luzon, and the National Capital Region, may also declare dengue outbreaks due to rising cases. Nationwide, over 43,000 cases have been recorded since 15 February, marking a 56 percent increase from the previous year.