KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO — As rainy weather continues to persist across the province, the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) is intensifying its call for community-led sanitation efforts, urging residents to consistently practice the “4T Strategy” to curb the sharp increase in dengue cases.
Latest epidemiological data from the provincial disease surveillance unit shows a total of 5,212 dengue cases recorded from January to September this year. The figure represents a 39 percent increase compared to the same period last year, with patient ages ranging from one month old to 96 years old. To date, 13 dengue-related fatalities have been documented in the province.
Eldon Serame, Health Education and Promotion Officer (HEPO) of the IPHO, stressed that vector control must become an ingrained daily routine for every household rather than a seasonal effort.
“Dengue can affect everyone, regardless of age. Prevention is not the responsibility of the government alone—this fight requires collective efforts from the public. Simple actions inside and around our homes make the biggest difference,” Serame emphasized.
The health office is mobilizing communities to implement the 4T Strategy daily, especially around 4:00 PM, when dengue mosquitoes are most active.
The 4T Strategy guides residents to turn over (Taub) unused water-collecting containers, shake out or drain (Taktak) accumulated stagnant water, dry (Tuyo) storage vessels thoroughly, and cover (Takip) all water drums and tanks tightly.
Health authorities noted that maintaining clean surroundings and eliminating potential mosquito breeding grounds remain the most cost-effective defenses against dengue. Regardless of whether shifts, daily household compliance is critical to breaking the breeding cycle of kiti-kiti (mosquito larvae) before they mature and transmit the virus.
