As dengue cases continue to surge nationwide, Senator Bong Go emphasized the urgency of community-based prevention efforts and sustained public vigilance, aligning his call with the observance of National Dengue Awareness Month this June.
Go, who serves as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, stressed that early detection, coordinated barangay action, and public education are vital to controlling the spread of the mosquito-borne disease. Recent data from the Department of Health (DOH) revealed that more than 110,000 Filipinos had been infected by mid-May 2025.
Kadalasan, nagsisimula lang sa simpleng lagnat pero pwedeng humantong sa panganib kapag napabayaan.”
“Hindi po dapat balewalain ang dengue. Kadalasan, nagsisimula lang sa simpleng lagnat pero pwedeng humantong sa panganib kapag napabayaan,” the legislator warned, underscoring the life-threatening risks of untreated infections, particularly among vulnerable sectors like children.
The DOH further reported that over 19,000 of these cases were recorded in Metro Manila alone, with 437 deaths nationwide — the majority involving children aged five to nine. In response, some localities, including Pakil, and Laguna, have declared states of emergency to address the rapid spread of the disease.
The lawmaker urged local government units (LGUs), schools, and families to intensify preventive measures such as fogging, cleanup drives, and public information campaigns. These actions, the senator said, are especially crucial during the rainy season when mosquito breeding grounds become more common.
“Ang laban kontra dengue ay hindi lang responsibilidad ng gobyerno kundi ng buong komunidad.”
“Kailangan po nating magtulungan. Ang laban kontra dengue ay hindi lang responsibilidad ng gobyerno kundi ng buong komunidad. Ika nga sa kampanya ng DOH, mag-taob, taktak, tuyo, at takip tayong lahat sa ating mga tahanan,” he said, referring to the department’s 5S strategy to eliminate breeding sites.
The 5S strategy—Search and Destroy, Self-Protection Measures, Seek Early Consultation, Support Fogging/Spraying, and Sustain Hydration—is a proactive approach to dengue prevention.
To reinforce grassroots action, Go expressed support for existing DOH programs like “Alas Kwatro Kontra Mosquito,” which promotes daily household cleanups at 4:00 p.m. — a peak time for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
He also reminded the government that accessible healthcare must remain a top priority. Go encouraged Filipinos to seek medical related assistance from Malasakit Centers, especially in times of illness.
Malasakit Centers are one-stop shops aimed at helping impoverished patients reduce their hospital expenses to the least possible amount. These centers bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to streamline government medical aid.
Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the program. To date, 167 Malasakit Centers are operational nationwide. According to the DOH, the program has already assisted over 17 million Filipinos.
“Sa mga pasyente, lapitan nyo lang ang Malasakit Center dahil para ‘to sa inyo. Kung may hospital bill kayo, nandiyan ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na tutulong para mabayaran ito,” he said.
In addition, Go reaffirmed the importance of strengthening primary healthcare access through the construction of Super Health Centers — an initiative that complements his long-standing health reforms crusade.
“Patuloy po akong tutulong sa pagpaparami ng Super Health Centers sa bansa sa abot po ng aking makakaya,” he said.
“Sa mga itinayo ng Super Health Centers, nakita namin kung gaano kalaki ang naitutulong nito sa komunidad lalo na sa rural areas. ‘Yun po ang layunin ng mga Super Health Centers — ang ilapit sa mamamayan ang serbisyong medikal ng gobyerno,”Go added.
While he continues to push for the institutionalization of vital health services, Go stressed that no law or facility can replace personal responsibility and proactive prevention — especially in confronting seasonal diseases like dengue.
“Ang pinakamabisang gamot ay ang pag-iwas. Mag-ingat po tayong lahat. Ugaliin ang kalinisan sa paligid, iwasan ang stagnant na tubig, at alagaan ang kalusugan ng pamilya,” he concluded.
