In an effort to combat a growing dengue outbreak, a village near Manila, Philippines, has launched an initiative offering cash rewards to residents who capture mosquitoes, the Guardian reports.
The program, introduced in Addition Hills, aims to reduce the mosquito population, which carries the potentially deadly dengue virus.
At the launch event on Wednesday, villagers lined up with plastic cups and bags containing mosquitoes they had caught. For every five mosquitoes turned in, participants received one Philippine peso (approximately 1.7 US cents). Organizers used an ultraviolet mosquito zapper to kill the insects, and one resident reportedly earned nine pesos (about 15 US cents) after collecting 45 larvae.
Village officials introduced the program following a sharp rise in dengue cases in the area. According to the Philippine Department of Health, more than 28,000 cases were recorded in January—a 40% increase compared to the same period last year. Several areas across the country, including Quezon City, have declared dengue outbreaks.
While the initiative has drawn attention, some health officials and social media users have expressed concerns about potential unintended consequences. Department of Health spokesperson Albert Domingo warned that the program might encourage mosquito farming if residents begin breeding mosquitoes to claim rewards. He suggested that efforts should instead focus on cleaning up mosquito breeding grounds, such as areas with stagnant water.
On social media, some users questioned the effectiveness of the program, urging officials to consider more sustainable solutions. In response to criticism, village chair Carlito Cernal stated that the initiative was launched with good intentions and aimed solely at addressing the growing health crisis.
