THE Department of Health (DOH) yesterday called on all local government officials to coordinate with its field personnel and local health offices on how to conduct anti-dengue operations.
At the same time, Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Catapang ordered the chiefs of health services in its prison facilities nationwide to closely monitor inmates and staff amid the increase in dengue cases nationwide.
DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said: “To our local officials, please coordinate with the DOH regional offices as well as your local health officers on evidence-based interventions (against dengue).”
He said this is because the DOH has clearly established guidelines to counter dengue that have been proven effective.
“We have these standards that have been proven effective, such as search and destroy breeding sites, use of self-protection measures, seeking early consultation when having symptoms, and supporting fogging operations when there is a surge in cases,” said Domingo.
The DOH issued the statement after receiving a report that in Barangay Addition Hills in Mandaluyong City, a cash reward of one peso is being offered for every five mosquitoes or larvae caught or killed.
Catapang’s order stemmed from the recommendations of Chief Supt. Ma. Cecilia Villanueva, OIC-Deputy Director General for Reformation and Director for Health and Welfare Services of the agency to closely monitor for any signs of dengue and implement robust preventive measures, and ensure that any confirmed cases are promptly reported to local health authorities.
“The recent surge in dengue cases underscores the importance of implementing preventive measures to minimize the potential for disease transmission within our facilities and workplaces,” Catapang said, adding he has instructed the chiefs of health services of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City and six other prison and penal farms across the country to “report any dengue cases within a 24-hour timeframe to ensure timely tracking and response.”
“Through these vigilant measures, the Bureau aims to protect its community and mitigate the spread of this serious public health threat,” Catapang added.
This even as the BuCor said there were no recorded dengue cases among the inmates under its care as well as staff since 2024.
Aside from the national penitentiary, the BuCor also operates the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City, Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Palawan, Davao Prison and Penal Farm, San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga City, Leyte Regional Prison and Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Occidental Mindoro.
The NBP alone holds 25, 000 inmates today, though Catapang said this is already an improvement considering that it housed more than 30, 000 when he assumed the top BuCor post in 2022.
Earlier, the Department of Health said its monitoring showed that from January 1 to February 1 this year, there were 28, 234 recorded dengue across the country, a figure the department said is a 40 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
