DESPITE decrease in numbers over the last two weeks, the Valenzuela City government has stepped up its vector control measures to keep dengue cases from declining.
Mayor Wes Gatchalian said all stakeholders led by the City Health Office and authorities from 33 villages have been working hand-in-hand to ensure the more effective implementation of several mitigating measures against dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
“The cornerstone of dengue prevention and control is the effective vector control measures and this through intensifying clean-up drive activities at the barangay level.”
CHO records showed that there were 273 dengue cases and three deaths reported in the city between January 1 to January 31, 2025.
This was 101 percent higher compared to the same period last year (136) of which the majority were found in the villages of the city, it said.
From Feb. 1 to Feb. 17, 2025, there were only 83 cases and no deaths were reported from different reporting institutions which was, however, 60 percent higher.
“The noticeable downward trend of cases anchored to a multipronged strategy may reflect the effectiveness of the interventions against dengue fever,” Gatchalian said.
Boosting disaster response
In a bid to boost their disaster response, the entire barangays in Valenzuela have been equipped with brand-new rescue boats each.
At the same time, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office was also issued with two mobile water filtration trucks.
” These units will provide safe drinking water to affected areas during calamities and disasters all over the city,” Gatchalian said.
He reiterated that the 33 fiber-made rescue boats—one for each barangay— would strengthen the city’s rescue response during storms and floods.
” This initiative ensures that every barangay in Valenzuela is better prepared whenever major flooding occurs,” the city chief executive said.
Meanwhile, the mobile water filtration trucks can hold up to 1,000 liters of water and are intended to provide potable water to evacuees during typhoons and floods.
These trucks will be strategically deployed to evacuation centers and communities experiencing water shortages, ensuring accessible clean water for those affected by natural disasters.
