The local government of San Juan launched on Saturday, March 1, a citywide cleanup drive to combat the rising dengue cases in Metro Manila, with simultaneous cleanup efforts in all 21 barangays.
Mayor Francis Zamora led the program on F. Ramon Street in Barangay Balong Bato, joined by Vice Mayor Atty. Angelo “AAA” Agcaoili, MMDA Solid Waste Management Office Director Josias Syquimsiam Jr., DOH Assistant Regional Director Karen Fernandez, DENR San Juan Focal Person Jed Montez, barangay officials, and volunteers.
Zamora called for an intensified citywide cleanup to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds and protect residents by ensuring proper waste segregation, disposal, and cleanliness in waterways and drainage systems.
“Hinihikayat ko po ang bawat isa na tumulong at makiisa sa paglilinis ng ating barangay, ng ating mga kapaligiran, ng ating tahanan. Both public and private facilities po ay kasama po sa ating cleanup drive (I encourage everyone to help and take part in cleaning our barangays, surroundings, and homes. Both public and private facilities are included in our cleanup drive),” he said.
He emphasized that maintaining these efforts is crucial in preventing stagnant water, which serves as a breeding ground for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
“Our city has been proactive in conducting fogging operations and cleanups to address rising dengue cases. This citywide cleanup drive will ensure that all communities actively participate in eradicating dengue breeding sites. Cleanliness is a shared responsibility, and together, we can make San Juan a safer and healthier city,” he added.
Meanwhile, Fernandez emphasized the importance of collective action against dengue, highlighting the alarming rise in cases across Metro Manila.
“Isang malaki pong karangalan na maging bahagi ng programang ito. Mahigit 10,000 libong kaso sa NCR ang naitala sa dengue. Wala na pong pinipiling panahon. Ang laki ng itinaas ng kaso sa NCR na may 206% increase na. Kaya natutuwa po ako na andito tayo ngayon at nagtitipon para sa Gawad Kalinisan (It is a great honor to be part of this program. More than 10,000 dengue cases have been recorded in NCR, and it is no longer limited to a specific season. The number of cases has risen sharply, increasing by 206%. That’s why I am glad we are here today for Gawad Kalinisan),” she said.
“Kami po sa DOH ay naniniwala na kaya nating labanan ito. Ang paglilinis ay hindi lang gawain ng gobyerno, kung hindi ng bawat isa. Sa isang kamay na magwawalis, barangay na magkakaisa, dito magsisimula ang pagbabago (We at the DOH believe that we can fight this together. Cleanliness is not just the government's responsibility but everyone's. With a single hand sweeping and a united barangay, change begins here),” she added.
Gawad Kalinisan contest
To encourage sustainable cleanup efforts, a year-long Gawad Kalinisan contest was launched alongside the citywide cleanup drive. The initiative reinforces the "Kalinisan sa Bagong Pilipinas" program and the Barangay at Kalinisan Day (BARKADA) initiative of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The contest is open to all 21 barangays and will focus on:
- Regular clean-up drives in public spaces, drainage systems, and barangay facilities
- Implementation of solid waste management practices
- Dengue prevention measures, such as larviciding and community education
- Community participation and engagement
- Proper maintenance of Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs)
The local government said a panel of judges will conduct random inspections and evaluations throughout the year to assess each barangay’s performance in cleanliness, sustainability, and dengue prevention.
In November, the top-performing barangays will be recognized during Environmental Awareness Month, with the following cash incentives: 1st Prize—P200,000, 2nd Prize—P100,000, and 3rd Prize—P50,000.
He said the cash prizes reflect his belief in positive reinforcement, emphasizing that good actions deserve to be rewarded.
“Para sa akin po, iba na yung mayroon tayong incentives. Ako po ay believer of positive reinforcement. Kapag meron kang magandang ginagawa, may gantimpala (For me, having incentives makes a difference. I am a believer in positive reinforcement—when you do something good, you get rewarded),” he said.
Zamora urged all San Juaneños to actively participate in keeping the city clean and free from dengue.
“Mahalaga po na maging disiplinado tayo sa paglilinis ng ating kapaligiran. Hindi ho natin dapat iasa lang sa barangay lamang, sa CENRO, dapat tayo mismo ay bukal sa ating kalooban ang pag-alaga sa ating paligid (It is important for us to be disciplined in keeping our surroundings clean. We should not rely solely on the barangay or CENRO—it should come from within us to take care of our environment),” he stated.