The local government of San Juan on Saturday called for an intensified citywide cleanup to eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds and protect residents. The initiative was launched in response to the increasing number of dengue cases in Metro Manila.
A simultaneous cleanup drive was carried out across all 21 barangays of San Juan City, with participation from city hall employees, barangay officials and volunteers.
To encourage sustainable cleanup efforts, Mayor Francis Zamora has directed the City Environment and Natural Resources Office to launch a year-long Gawad Kalinisan contest, reinforcing the “Kalinisan sa Bagong Pilipinas” program and the Barangay at Kalinisan Day initiative of the DILG.
“This is our search for the cleanest barangay in San Juan City, and it is part of our goal to reduce dengue cases in our city while maintaining a clean environment. This will be an inter-barangay contest. All 21 barangays are included, and the best barangay will receive P200,000 in November,” he said.
The contest is open to all barangays and will focus on: Regular clean-up drives in public spaces, drainage systems and barangay facilities; implementation of solid waste management practices; dengue prevention measures such as larviciding; and community education.
The top-performing barangays will be recognized during Environmental Awareness Month in November, with cash incentives: 1st Prize — P200,000; 2nd Prize — P100,000; and 3rd Prize — P50,000.
“I encourage everyone to help clean our barangays and our surroundings, including both public and private facilities. Proper waste segregation, waste disposal and the maintenance of waterways and drainage systems are crucial, especially in preventing dengue. We know that dengue mosquitoes thrive in stagnant water, so we must keep these areas clean. This is an effort of the entire city of San Juan,” he added.