Residents of Caloocan are taking action to protect their communities from the health risks that frequently follow prolonged periods of intense rain and widespread flooding that continue to affect many regions of the country. Residents started cleanup efforts to lower the dangers of dengue and leptospirosis, two illnesses that flourish in flood-prone areas, with assistance from Pru Life UK through its SHIELD Project.
The Sustainable Health Interventions for Eradicating Leptospirosis and Dengue (SHIELD) Project, which aims to increase community resilience against two of the most prevalent climate-sensitive diseases in the Philippines that are predicted to worsen as a result of climate change, is being implemented in specific communities in Caloocan and Malabon.
The project is funded with PHP10 million grant from the Climate and Health Resilience Fund by Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential plc, with CARE Philippines as the project implementing partner.
Over 110 volunteers, including barangay staff and residents from Barangays 178 and 186 in Caloocan, joined a two-day community-led initiative in August to eliminate stagnant water, clear potential mosquito breeding sites, and remove waste that can clog drainage systems. The SHIELD Project provided essential cleaning supplies such as brooms, dustpans, and garbage disposal bags as well as mosquito repellents to support the effort.
To raise awareness, Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials on dengue and leptospirosis prevention were distributed to residents. These efforts not only helped create cleaner, safer public spaces but also strengthened community knowledge on how to prevent climate-sensitive diseases.
“Through collaborative efforts with the residents and stakeholders from the local government units, we are able to bring the community together and foster a sense of collective responsibility to help build resilience to the health risks of climate change,” said Maricel Estavillo, Pru Life UK’s Sustainability and Takaful Head.
This September, Malabon will host cleanup events to carry on the community-led campaign for resilience and public health.
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