The alarming rise in dengue cases in the country is a public health issue that requires urgent and concerted effort of the government, private sector, and every citizen. Dengue cases, according to the Department of Health (DOH), have surged by 75 percent compared to the same period last year, signaling a potential major outbreak. This alarming statistic highlights the severity of the situation and calls for immediate and long-term interventions to prevent further escalation.
The government plays a vital role in leading the fight against dengue. At the national level, the DOH should continue to monitor and report on case trends, provide essential health services, and ensure that resources are efficiently allocated to the areas most at risk. As the leading health authority, the DOH can mobilize health workers to provide rapid response to outbreaks, implement targeted mosquito control measures, and facilitate public education campaigns.
Moreover, the government must focus on strengthening local government units to conduct localized mosquito control programs. Past dengue outbreaks, such as the one in 2019—which saw 437,089 cases, with 2,620 deaths—demonstrated how regional responses can either make or break a nationwide effort. In 2019, there was a nationwide epidemic declaration due to the spike in cases, and swift action at the local level was crucial in preventing further spread. In 2025, the same level of urgency should be mirrored, with an emphasis on surveillance, larviciding, fogging, and clearing of stagnant water, which serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
The state cannot do it alone. This is why private sector participation is crucial as it is an important ally in managing health issues and a key contributor to sustainable solutions. Companies, particularly those in the health, technology, and manufacturing industries, should collaborate with the government to fund and support efforts in mosquito control and prevention. For instance, companies in the healthcare sector can donate resources such as insecticides and medical supplies, while technology firms can develop and distribute apps or systems for dengue surveillance to provide real-time alerts of outbreaks to communities. Pharmaceutical companies can invest in research for developing more effective vaccines and treatments for dengue. The lack of a comprehensive cure for dengue underscores the need for innovation in the private sector.
Business leaders should help amplify government campaigns, encourage their employees and customers to take preventive measures.
While the government and private sector provide resources and structure, every citizen must take ownership of their own health and well-being. As experts have long stressed, one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of dengue is through community action. Residents must regularly clear their homes and surrounding areas of any standing water, such as in tires, plant pots, or gutters, which are prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Public education campaigns should emphasize the importance of using insect repellents, sleeping under old-fashioned but still effective mosquito nets, and wearing long-sleeved clothing, especially during peak mosquito activity hours (early morning and dusk). The active participation of citizens in eliminating mosquito habitats will not only reduce its population but will also make a significant impact in halting the spread of dengue.
The rising number of dengue cases in 2025 is a wake-up call for everyone. The challenges posed by dengue are not new, and yet, we continue to face them because of complacency. By drawing lessons from previous outbreaks and understanding the roles each sector plays in combating this disease, we can prevent another major epidemic. It is only through a collective effort and shared responsibility that we can effectively curb the impact of dengue and safeguard our health.