ILOILO City – With dengue cases on the rise, the Department of Education (DepEd) Region 6 is mobilizing communities to take part in this year’s Brigada Eskwela from June 9 to 13, placing a stronger emphasis not only on school preparations but also on dengue prevention.
DepEd regional information officer Hernani Escullar Jr. said the annual clean-up drive will include a coordinated “search and destroy” operation targeting mosquito breeding grounds in and around schools as part of the department’s proactive response to the alarming spike in dengue infections, especially among school-aged children.
“This is no longer just about cleaning or repairing schools,” Escullar said. “We are now integrating dengue prevention into Brigada Eskwela because our schools are vulnerable, especially with the rainy season beginning.”
Based on data from the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO), a total of 1,742 dengue cases with nine deaths were recorded from January 1 to May 17 this year — a 77 percent increase compared to 983 cases and three deaths in the same period last year.
The most affected age group is one to nine years old with 595 cases, followed by 10 to 19 years old with 495 cases — both predominantly school-going children.
Escullar explained that all community members — parents, stakeholders, barangay officials, and even those unable to offer donations — are encouraged to contribute time and labor. Common services include classroom cleaning, weeding, painting, and minor repairs such as fixing broken wooden chairs.
“It’s a community-wide approach to ensuring that schools are not only functional but also safe from disease,” Escullar said. “Even if you don’t have money or supplies to donate, your time and presence during Brigada Eskwela make a difference.”
To further bolster school readiness against dengue, DepEd Region 6 is coordinating with Barangay Health Workers and local health offices.
Schools are advised to identify and eliminate stagnant water areas that may serve as mosquito breeding sites.
In case of identified dengue infections within school premises, DepEd said it can deploy medical personnel or request interventions such as fogging or misting.
Here’s a breakdown of dengue cases by age group in Iloilo Province (Jan. 1 to May 17, 2025):
* below one year old – 52 cases
* one to nine years old – 595 cases
* 10 to 19 years old – 495 cases
* 20 to 29 years old – 244 cases
* 30 to 39 years old – 106 cases
* 40 years old and above – 250 cases
Brigada Eskwela remains a voluntary initiative, but with dengue looming as a public health concern, DepEd appeals for wider public participation to ensure both readiness and safety in schools before classes begin./PN
