Quezon City barangay to release frogs to fight dengue

Barangay Old Balara in Quezon City plans to release frogs to combat dengue-carrying mosquitoes, a measure previously employed by the barangay in 2018, 2019, and 2023.

Barangay Chair Allan Franza believes frogs can reduce mosquito populations, stating that chemicals previously used seemed to only shoo mosquitoes away, whereas frogs consume them.

This initiative comes after Mayor Joy Belmonte declared a dengue outbreak on Saturday, February 15, with 1,769 cases recorded from January 1 to February 13, and several deaths.

The Department of Health (DOH) understands local interventions like frog releases and mosquito rewards but reiterates the importance of sticking to scientifically proven measures.

Despite reservations from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Health due to a lack of scientific studies on frog effectiveness, Barangay Old Balara will continue with its plan alongside ongoing clean-up drives and information dissemination.