MANILA, Philippines – With the recent resurgence of dengue cases in the Philippines, there are simple, daily steps Filipinos can take at home to help curb the spread of the disease. Mosquitoes can breed as fast as 24 to 48 hours, even in ¼ inch of stagnant water, about the amount found in a bottle cap¹. This small amount is enough to become a breeding site for disease-carrying mosquitoes, reinforcing the importance of vigilance with daily dengue prevention, especially during the rainy season.
To further educate, SC Johnson, maker of Baygon® and OFF!®, has launched Mission: TAPOSible, a nationwide movement anchored on the Department of Health’s 5S strategy. The campaign helps empower families to pledge and take action to protect their homes and communities from dengue.
The stories behind the numbers
Dengue remains a health concern affecting communities across the Philippines, where frequent rainfall and tropical conditions contribute to year-round transmission. In fact, early this year, the Department of Health (DOH) reported a 78% increase in dengue cases, jumping from 42,822 in the first quarter of 2024 to 76,425 in the same period this year. Between July and August alone, another 15,161 cases were recorded, further reflecting the impact of persistent rainy weather, which creates ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
These increases underscore the impact that disease has on Filipino families. Among them is Mafe Cabreros, a mother of two, who was hospitalized after contracting dengue while five months pregnant with her youngest child in 2016. The experience made her more aware of the importance of taking consistent steps, from spraying mosquito repellent to lighting coils, to help protect her children every day.
For families like Mafe’s, dengue is more than just a health statistic. It is a persistent reality that alters everyday moments, especially when a loved one’s safety is at risk. But having accessible solutions help turn dengue prevention into a daily routine.
A movement backed by science and heart
Although dengue is endemic in the Philippines, a report indicates that only 20% of Filipinos regularly use pest-control products4. While dengue isn’t directly contagious, it spreads when mosquitoes carry the virus from one person to another. This is why helping protect each family member, including educating them on dengue preventio,n is important, as every layer of defense helps reduce the risk of transmission.
Simple, consistent actions such as applying insect repellent, using aerosol sprays or coils, and regularly cleaning areas where mosquitoes can breed can help protect not only oneself but also others from mosquito bites that may transmit dengue. Baygon® & OFF!® are committed to developing accessible and effective products that support public health and provide households with the tools and knowledge needed for dengue prevention.
Educating the young, empowering the home
Beyond helping to empower households with accessible products, SC Johnson also collaborates with schools and communities to help translate awareness into daily protective habits that strengthen household protection. One partner, Maximo Estrella Elementary School, integrates dengue prevention into parent orientations and provides students with dengue kits as daily reminders to stay protected.
“We ask the parents of the kindergarten and Grade 1 pupils, since they are new in school, to attend an orientation. We need to educate the parents so that they can teach their children at home,” shares Mirra L. Alvarez, Principal, Maximo Estrella Elementary School.
Anchored in the 5S Strategy
Consistent protection is more than just a precaution; it is an act of care for your household and community. That is why Mission: TAPOSible embraces the Department of Health’s 5S strategy in fighting against dengue, helping empower families to adopt small, consistent habits that drive big impact in dengue prevention. The strategy outlines five simple steps that every Filipino can integrate into daily routines:
- Search and Destroy – Remove standing water in containers, pots, cans, and bottles where mosquitoes breed.
- Self-Protection – Use repellents (like OFF!®), wear long sleeves and pants, and keep sprays or coils (like Baygon®) ready at home.
- Seek Early Consultation – If you have fever, headaches, or body pain, see a doctor right away.
- Say Yes to Fogging – Support community fogging when advised by local health officials.
- Sustaining Hydration – Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, especially if you’re sick.
By turning these small, proactive steps into everyday habits, Filipino families can build a stronger defense against dengue.
Join Mission: TAPOSible today
Don’t wait until it’s too late, pledge now and help be part of the nationwide movement. Sign up at https://missiontaposible.com and join thousands of Filipinos who are already taking action. Every pledge strengthens our collective commitment to dengue-protected families and communities.
By entering their name, email, and province, participants can commit to simple, consistent efforts that keep homes and communities safe from dengue. Participants will also receive a special discount code for Baygon® and OFF!® products to help keep their families protected anytime, anywhere.
True protection doesn’t come from a single moment. It grows from routines, from shared action, from the love shown every day. Together, every Filipino household can turn dengue prevention from a public health message into a national movement; one household, one habit, one pledge at a time.
