In an effort to curb the increase in dengue cases in Quezon City, local authorities in Barangay Old Balara have begun removing old tires from rooftops — common mosquito breeding grounds — and replacing them with hollow blocks.
According to Marisol Abdurahman’s “24 Oras” report, barangay officials, led by Chairman Allan Franza, ordered the removal of these water-filled tires.
“Nakikita natin yung inalis na gulong may tubig po. After 3 days po, lamok na po yan na maaaring carrier nung dengue virus,” said Franza.
(We found that the tires contained water. After three days, they could already be breeding grounds for mosquitoes that may carry the dengue virus.)
Many residents use old tires to weigh down their rooftops, including a local chapel where several pieces were found. To address this, the barangay replaced them with hollow blocks, a safer alternative that does not collect stagnant water.
One house alone had more than 30 tires on its roof, all of which were removed and substituted with hollow blocks.
Aside from tire removal, barangay officials have also tightened monitoring of sari-sari stores selling bottled drinks. They are ensuring that empty bottles are not left uncovered, as they can also collect water and become mosquito breeding grounds.
“Huwag hahayaang nakatihaya bote at hindi secure na lugar. Kapag pamahayan pwedeng malagyan ng tubig at pamahayan ng lamok,” said Franza.
(Bottles should not be left open and exposed in unsecured areas. If water collects in them, they can become a mosquito habitat.)
Barangay Old Balara has intensified its clean-up drive, as it is among the ten barangays in Quezon City with the highest number of dengue cases. Currently, the barangay has recorded 45 confirmed dengue cases.
“Ayaw natin umabot na may mamatay tayong ka barangay saka tayo kikilos,” Franza added.
(We don’t want to wait until a life is lost before taking action.)
With dengue cases on the rise, local authorities continue to encourage residents to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings and take preventive measures to avoid further spread of the disease.
On Monday, the Department of Health (DOH) is set to roll out the “Alas Kwatro, Kontra Mosquito!” campaign on February 24, 2025, as part of its intensified dengue prevention and control efforts across all government offices nationwide.
The urgency of the program comes as Quezon City recently declared a dengue outbreak following a sharp increase in cases and at least 10 reported deaths this year.
Additionally, the DOH has warned that eight more areas in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon may also declare dengue outbreaks soon due to the rising number of cases.
According to the latest data, the country recorded 28,234 dengue cases from January 1 to February 1, marking a staggering 40% increase compared to the same period last year.
With the “Alas Kwatro, Kontra Mosquito!” campaign, the DOH hopes to rally communities and government offices in a collective effort to curb the spread of dengue and protect public health. — Sherylin Untalan/BAP, GMA Integrated News
