Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Philippines | February 23, 2026— The Province of South Cotabato has recorded a significant decline in dengue cases, with 214 cases reported from January 4 to February 7, representing a 58 percent decrease compared to the same period last year, according to the Integrated Provincial Health Office.
Despite the decrease, health authorities emphasized the need for sustained prevention efforts as the province remains above the alert threshold for four consecutive morbidity weeks. Meanwhile, the municipality of Surallah has reached the epidemic threshold.
Jose Barroquillo, Dengue Program Coordinator, confirmed that while no dengue-related deaths have been reported, 128 cases were classified as dengue with warning signs, requiring close monitoring and timely medical intervention.
“The decrease in cases is encouraging, but this is not the time to be complacent. Dengue can escalate quickly, especially in hotspot areas,” Barroquillo said.
Dajay and Libertad in Surallah were identified as dengue hotspot areas. Clustering of cases was also observed in four barangays in Koronadal, two barangays each in Lake Sebu, Sto. Niño, and T’boli, one barangay in Norala, and five barangays in Surallah.
Barroquillo stressed the importance of community participation in eliminating mosquito breeding sites.
“We urge every household to regularly clean their surroundings, remove stagnant water, and immediately seek medical consultation if symptoms such as persistent fever occur. Prevention starts at home.”
Health officials continue to intensify surveillance, fogging operations in identified clusters, and public awareness campaigns to prevent a possible surge in cases in the coming weeks.
