TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) – Bohol Chapter has intensified its community-based dengue prevention and preparedness efforts following the declaration of a province-wide dengue outbreak in Bohol on August 27, 2026.

Based on data from the Provincial Health Office (PHO), through the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU), Bohol recorded 1,883 dengue cases and 21 deaths from January 4 to August 22, 2026. The LGUs with the highest reported number of cases are Talibon, Tagbilaran City, Ubay, Getafe, and Tubigon.

Even before the formal declaration of the outbreak, PRC Bohol had already alerted its Red Cross 143 (RC143) Volunteers and Red Cross Youth on August 17, encouraging them to strengthen dengue awareness in their communities and provide relevant field information to the Chapter.

Dengue Awareness Reaches Communities

From August 17 to 28, PRC Bohol integrated dengue education into its ongoing Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) in Balilihan, reaching 187 individuals across 16 barangays with the assistance of eight RC143 Volunteers and the partner local government.

Communities were reminded to eliminate stagnant water and potential mosquito breeding sites, recognize dengue warning signs, and seek medical consultation early when symptoms appear.

On August 27, the Chapter also conducted a Dengue Prevention Drive at Bohol Island State University – Candijay Campus, mobilizing eight College Red Cross Youth volunteers and reaching another 120 individuals.

These initial activities have reached at least 307 individuals, while 19 Red Cross Youth School Councils have committed to conduct dengue awareness campaigns, IEC distribution, and clean-up activities in their respective schools and communities.

PRC Bohol is also mobilizing volunteers for community-based activities, with priority attention to the heavily affected areas of Talibon, Tagbilaran City, Ubay, Getafe, and Tubigon.

Red Cross Blood Donor Network Helps Dengue Patient

Beyond prevention and public education, the Chapter’s blood donor network has already responded to an urgent dengue-related request.

On August 18, PRC Bohol received a call for assistance for a 7-month-old dengue patient urgently needing blood donor support. The Chapter immediately activated its donor network, and a youth blood donor from Bohol Wisdom School responded to help.

The infant recovered and was discharged from the hospital on August 22.

The experience underscored the importance of maintaining a strong network of voluntary blood donors, particularly during a dengue outbreak when some patients may develop complications requiring blood components.

As part of its preparedness measures, PRC Bohol has also coordinated with the National Blood Services for standby support for Platelet Concentrate should the need arise, while continuing to strengthen local blood donor mobilization and referral coordination.

Communities Urged to Act Against Dengue

PRC Bohol is calling on families, schools, barangays, businesses, civic organizations, and other partners to support the province-wide effort against dengue.

Residents are encouraged to regularly inspect their homes and surroundings, remove or empty containers where water can accumulate, properly cover water storage containers, maintain clean surroundings, protect themselves from mosquito bites, and seek early medical consultation when dengue symptoms or warning signs develop.

The Chapter will continue working with the Provincial Government, PHO/PESU, LGUs, schools, health facilities, RC143 Volunteers, Red Cross Youth, blood donors, and other partners for sustained dengue awareness, clean-up activities, IEC distribution, volunteer mobilization, field monitoring, and blood services preparedness.

“Fighting dengue is not the responsibility of one organization or one government office alone. Every household and every community has a role. Through our volunteers, youth, partners and blood donors, the Philippine Red Cross – Bohol Chapter will continue doing what we can to help protect our communities. Prevention starts in our own homes, and together, we can save lives.”

How to Help or Request Assistance

Individuals, organizations, schools, businesses, and other partners who would like to support the PRC Bohol Dengue Awareness Campaign may coordinate with Ms. Marites “Zety” Maniwang, Focal for Health Services, at 0951 477 8806.

For blood needs and blood services assistance, the public may contact Ms. Jessa Tagaro of PRC Bohol Blood Services at 0964 931 8936 or 0912 406 1867.

The Philippine Red Cross – Bohol Chapter may also be reached through bohol@redcross.org.ph