A village in Mandaluyong City has come up with a unique way to help curb the spike in the number of dengue cases in their community - by offering a cash reward for every mosquito killed through the innovative "May Piso sa Mosquito" program.

Barangay Addition Hills Chairman Carlito Tolibas Cernal spearheaded the initiative by offering residents a monetary reward for each dead mosquito they collect and surrender.

The program aims to encourage community participation in eliminating dengue-carrying mosquitoes and reducing their breeding grounds.

While concerns were raised over the cash reward program, Cernal assured that it will go hand-in-hand with the current anti-dengue programs of both the local and national governments.

“Walang masamang intensyon sa nasabing programa. Ang layunin ay makatulong sa iba pang kasalukuyang programa ng National at Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Mandaluyong. Ito ay isang alternatibong paraan sa paglaban sa lumalalang problema sa dengue (There is no ill intent behind this program. The goal is to support the existing initiatives of the national government and the local government of Mandaluyong City. This is an alternative way to help combat the worsening dengue problem),” he said.

According to Cernal, Barangay Addition Hills currently has the highest number of dengue cases in the city, with 44 recorded patients, including young students who have tragically lost their lives to the illness.

“Hinagpis at hinaing ang natatanggap kong mensahe mula sa bawat pamilyang tinamaan ng dengue, lalo na ang mga nawalan ng mahal sa buhay (I have received heartbreaking messages from families affected by dengue, especially those who have lost their loved ones),” he said.

To strengthen dengue prevention efforts, the barangay continues to conduct fogging operations, cleanup drives, and public awareness campaigns.

“Bilang Punong Barangay, kailangan kong gumawa ng mga hakbang upang mapigilan ang paglala ng dengue, sa tulong ng bawat mamamayan (As the village chief, it is my duty to take action and prevent the further spread of dengue with the help of the entire community),” the barangay chairman said.

Aside from the "May Piso sa Mosquito" program, Barangay Addition Hills has intensified its environmental cleanup and mosquito control measures.

The barangay has 280 maintenance personnel regularly cleaning the streets. There are also Team Sisid Kanal clearing canals and waterways and the AHLERT Team that conducts fogging operations.

Cernal also reminded residents to eliminate stagnant water in containers, bottles, and buckets to prevent mosquito breeding.

“Para sa kaalaman ng lahat, hindi inirerekomenda ang madalas na fogging dahil masama sa kalusugan, lalo na sa mga may sakit (For everyone’s awareness, frequent fogging is not recommended because the chemicals in the smoke can be harmful to health, especially for those with medical conditions),” he said.

He emphasized that community cooperation is essential in fighting dengue.

“Ang programang ito ay isang karagdagang hakbang upang mapuksa ang mga lamok. Sa munting paraan, nais kong makatulong sa pagtutulungan ng barangay, LGU, at national government (This program is an additional step in eliminating mosquitoes. In my own small way, I want to contribute to the cooperation between the barangay, LGU, and national government),” Cernal said.