June – February Dengue Season Months The Sandy Project Calls For Vigilance To Prevent and Reduce Cases

A total of 95,000 Dengue cases have been recorded at the beginning of 2025, 75% higher compared to the same period in 2024,” according to the Department of Health (DOH).*

DOH also identified the three regions as Dengue outbreak hot spots in early 2025 for having themost number of cases: Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Ǫuezon), CentralLuzon, and National Capital Region (which includes the capital city of Manila).

“Dengue is a silent killer. All it takes is one mosquito bite for anyone to get infected, and evendie, if left unattended. But no one needs to die from Dengue,” says lawyer Ma. Louella Martinez-Aranas, founder of The Sandy Project, her personal advocacy that focuses on raising Dengue awareness and prevention campaign.

Aranas lost her then 10-year-old only daughter Sandy to Dengue in 2013. In memory of Sandy, who would have turned 22 this year, Aranas established The Sandy Project to raise awareness ofthe risks and dangers of the Dengue-virus-carrying mosquito. It was her way of making sure thatthe death of Sandy can serve as a catalyst in saving the lives of other children, and that thedesperation of a mother losing a daughter can bring Hope that others won’t need to suffer from.

“You think there’s a one in a million chance of getting bitten by a tiny mosquito. But that’s nottrue. Anybody can be infected with Dengue fever. They don’t choose their prey anytime, anywhere. They just bite,” says Aranas.

Dengue outbreaks are largely seasonal, with most episodes occurring during the country’s wetseason from June to February yearly. However, people have to be vigilant all year through. No specific treatment for Dengue fever exists. Latest data shows that from January to May 2025 alone, 189 deaths have been reported in the Philippines.

“Prevention is the best way to fight Dengue. The solution is elementary. There are no mosquitoes if there are no breeding grounds. It’s that simple and it’s sustainable if we can work together,”says Aranas. “It is a major public health problem that’s endemic in our country.”

“The Sandy Project is a battle against Dengue. We need to talk about the dangers of Dengue. Weneed to raise our voice in order to make people aware of the threats and potential fatalconsequences,” emphasizes Aranas.

Since its establishment, The Sandy Project has initiated numerous Dengue awareness campaignactivities in schools and some communities. Aranas and her team have visited schools in MetroManila, Bulacan, the Bicol Region, San Carlos City in Negros Occidental, Escalante City in Negros Oriental, among others.

The goal is to educate children on how to prevent getting Dengue fever. Because Aranas believes if The Sandy Project can educate the kids to be aware of what Dengue is, what it can do to harm them, and what they can do to protect them… half the battle is won.

“We will strive to reach more kids to educate and empower them to keep their homes mosquito-free. The only way to avoid contracting the Dengue virus is to prevent mosquito bites and avoid endemic areas. We will speak to the children and communities. We will raise our voice to save lives on time,” Aranas continues.

Note to Media: For questions/clarification, high-res images and/or to arrange an interview withMa. Louella Martinez-Aranas (Peaches), pls contact Ms. Bing Viray at bingviray@yahoo.com

Call DOH National Hotline: 1555 (inquiries, concerns and emergencies) Call DOH Dengue Assistance Hotline: 0995 911 4629 | 0925 496 5388