National day of action vs. dengue set on September 5

A progressive political party known for its street actions to push for its advocacies will stage a different form of action directed against a new enemy—the dengue virus.

In a show of strong support in the common fight against dengue, Akbayan party will organize a nationwide action against the deadly virus saying its containment and prevention is a paramount issue that must be addressed by all.

“We declare an all-out war against dengue as we join the Filipino people in the campaign to prevent the spread of the virus. Kung kaya ng Akbayan na labanan ang mga kaaway ng mamamayan sa gobyerno at lipunan, hindi hamak na kaya nito na samahan ang taongbayan para labanan ang dengue, na ngayon ay panganib sa kaligtasan ng ating mga pamilya” Marichris Cabreros, Akbayan Acting President said.

National Day of Action

Cabreros said Akbayan is devoting a day to go around various communities all over the country to help in the campaign against the deadly dengue virus.

Dubbed as the “National Day of Action and Vigilance against Dengue, members and volunteers of the group will simultaneously troop to different communities in Metro Manila and in several provinces this Monday to inform people how to prevent dengue and treat mild cases.

Cabreros said the target areas for the activity are Metro Manila, Quezon City, La Union, Naga, Bicol, Cebu, Iloilo, Davao and General Santos.

“We will go to targeted communities to conduct information campaigns and clean-up drives.”

Here in Quezon City, Cabreros said Akbayan would troop to Barangay Damayang Lagi. Akbayan Representative Walden Bello will lead the activity.

Cabreros said this is the second time Akbayan will hold a national activity against Dengue. It was reported that the party conducted a national day of action against Dengue last year during the height of the spread of the virus.

Activists as anti-dengue campaigners

Cabreros said while the campaign against Dengue is the primary responsibility of the government, activists and other political advocates from different civil society organizations and social movements have an important role to play in the containment of the virus.

“While we believe the health department is doing a good job in handling these cases, it cannot do it alone. Thus, even as we encourage a more intensified and concerted effort on the part of the government, we challenge political and social activists to throw in their support. Being immersed in many communities, activists can serve as organic educators and campaigners against the disease,” Cabreros said.

“The health of our people should be a paramount issue among political advocates working for meaningful change,” Cabreros added.