Volunteers from the Philippine Red Cross (PRC)-Malabon Chapter 143 and the Malabon City government launched a simultaneous clean-up drive at Pinagsabugan Creek, Gen. Borromeo St., Barangay Longos, Malabon City, on Saturday, Feb. 22, as part of the fight against dengue.
In photos: PRC-Malabon Chapter Chairman Ricky Sandoval, Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, and PRC 143 volunteers conducts clean-up drive activity in Barangay Longos, Malabon City on Saturday, Feb. 22 (Photos by Hannah Nicol/MANILA BULLETIN)
PRC-Malabon Chapter Chairman Ricky Sandoval and PRC 143 volunteers led the initiative, which was also attended by Mayor Jeannie Sandoval.
The nationwide campaign, known as “Linis BEAT Dengue,” deployed 500 PRC staff and 5,000 volunteers across 73 Red Cross Chapters and 200 communities in 100 cities and municipalities.
According to the PRC, the “Linis BEAT Dengue” campaign, running from Feb. 22 to 23, focuses on breaking breeding sites, educating communities, assisting dengue patients and hospitals, and tracing dengue hotspots.
The initiative involves community clean-up drives, educational campaigns, medical support for dengue patients, and monitoring of dengue-prone areas through PRC’s 102 chapters nationwide.
PRC Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon emphasized the importance of community action in preventing dengue.
“Mayroong sapat na dugo ang Red Cross para sa mga nagkakasakit ng dengue, pero may paraan para maiwasan ito—kung bawat pamilya sa mga komunidad ay maglilinis, maiiwasan ang sakit na ito. Kaya naman hinihikayat namin ang lahat to take action and clean. Our Red Cross 143 volunteers and Red Cross Youth are actively doing their part—you should too (The Red Cross has enough blood supply for those affected by dengue, but there is a way to prevent this disease—if every family in the community keeps their surroundings clean, dengue can be avoided. That’s why we encourage everyone to take action and clean. Our Red Cross 143 volunteers and Red Cross Youth are actively doing their part—you should too),” he said.
PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwendolyn Pang also stressed the need for proactive efforts to fight dengue.
“Dengue is preventable, and it starts with clean homes and communities. Through Linis BEATs Dengue, we are not just cleaning—we are saving lives. We are encouraging everyone to make this a community activity, after all, a clean environment is a SAFE environment,” she said.
The PRC is committed to protecting communities from dengue by implementing proactive prevention measures, efficient response efforts, and mobilizing volunteers.
Individuals who wish to join the Linis BEATs Dengue campaign may reach out to their local PRC chapter or visit the official Philippine Red Cross Facebook page.