Following the declaration of a dengue outbreak in Quezon City (QC), the environmental watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition urged residents to manage their discards in an ecological manner to stem rising cases.
“We are one with the QC Government in promoting measures that will halt the spiraling cases of dengue viral infections that have so far claimed the lives of 10 residents, mostly children,” said Jove Benosa, Zero Waste Campaigner, EcoWaste Coalition.
QC Mayor Joy Belmonte had earlier sought the help of citizens, parents in particular, to safeguard children against the deadly disease. “Nananawagan ako sa mga kapwa ko magulang na sama-sama nating protektahan ang ating mga anak laban sa dengue. Maging alerto tayo sa mga nararamdaman ng ating anak at manguna sa mga clean-up drive sa ating mga komunidad,” she said.
As reported by the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division of the QC Health Department, a total of 1,769 dengue cases were recorded from January 1 to February 14, 2025 affecting mostly children. To date, 10 residents, including eight minors, have succumbed to the virus.
“As a QC-based organization advocating for zero waste resource management, we appeal to all waste generators to put the QC Environment Code into practice to help beat the dengue outbreak,” he said. The group is currently implementing sustainable community waste management projects in densely populated Bagbag and Bagong Silangan, QC in collaboration with the barangay authorities and local organizations.
Formally known as the Environmental Protection and Waste Management Code, the QC Environment Code contains provisions “mandating all households, commercial and business establishments, industries, and institutions to maintain the cleanliness of their premises at all times” and “to segregate domestic waste at source into compostable/biodegradable, recyclable, residual, and special waste.”
“Abiding by these requirements of the QC Environment Code, as well as Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, will deprive Aedes aegypti, the mosquito that can spread the dengue virus, with spots to lay eggs,” said Benosa, noting that “improperly disposed of trash can catch water where dengue mosquitoes can breed.”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “applying many of the basic principles (of solid waste management) can contribute substantially to reducing Aedes aegypti larval habitats,” stressing that “proper storage, collection, and disposal of waste are essential for protecting public health.”
In support of the QC government-led drive to curb the dengue outbreak, the EcoWaste Coalition urged citizens to bear the following reminders in mind:
– Segregate discards at source, keeping non-biodegradables dry and clean.
– Check and remove standing water in your home and neighborhood.
– Keep containers and anything that can collect water in a dry place.
– Cover water tanks, drums, and pails with lids or mosquito-proof mesh.
– Drain and clean water containers thoroughly once a week.
– Change water in flower vases weekly.
– Loosen soil in potted plants to prevent water from stagnating on the surface
– Flip the pot plate to remove excess water.
– Clean pet drinking bowls daily.
– Cut or puncture tires used as roof support to avoid collecting water.
– Clear blocked roof drains to avoid water ponding.
The EcoWaste Coalition also took the opportunity to caution the public from buying and using unregistered household insecticides, mosquito coils, anti-mosquito lotions, patches, sprays, and the like, which have not been duly verified for quality and safety by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prior to sale.
The use of such unauthorized products may pose health and environmental risks, the group pointed out.
Last Saturday, local government officials met with QC’s 142 barangay captains to inform them about the dengue outbreak declaration and the measures that would be implemented to counter it. Present at the meeting were QCHD OIC Dr. Ramona Abarquez, QCHD Epidemiology and Surveillance Division head Dr. Rolly Cruz, Barangay and Community Relations Department head Ricky Corpuz, Committee on Barangay Affairs Chairperson Councilor Mari Rodriguez, Rosario Maclang Bautista General Hospital Director Dr. Dave Vergara, and Schools Division Superintendent Carleen Sedilla.
