It might sound like a crazy made up story - but it's real.
A village in the Philippines has launched an unusual initiative to combat the rising cases of dengue fever—offering cash rewards for every mosquito or larva caught, dead or alive. The campaign, called "May Piso sa Mosquito" (translated as "There's a Peso in a Mosquito"), aims to reduce the mosquito population while raising awareness about dengue prevention.
A Creative but Controversial Strategy
The village of Addition Hills, located in Mandaluyong, a suburb of Manila, started the campaign on Wednesday. As reported by HotNews, residents are being paid 1 peso (approximately $0.017) for every five mosquitoes or larvae collected.
Village leader Carlito Cernal defended the initiative, stating that it serves as an alternative measure to combat dengue, especially as cases continue to rise. The campaign has attracted dozens of participants, some of whom have brought in large numbers of mosquito larvae. One resident earned nine pesos after collecting 45 larvae.
Mixed Reactions from Health Officials and Residents
While the campaign has raised awareness about the importance of keeping the surroundings clean, some officials are skeptical. The Philippine Department of Health suggested that instead of offering monetary rewards for mosquitoes, local authorities should focus on waste management and eliminating breeding grounds.
Additionally, some residents fear that the strategy could backfire. Concerns have been raised that people might deliberately breed mosquitoes to earn more money, potentially worsening the public health crisis instead of alleviating it.
The Growing Threat of Dengue in the Philippines
The urgency behind this initiative is evident. According to the Philippine Ministry of Health, at least 21 people have died from dengue since January, with over 28,000 cases reported nationwide—a 40% increase from the same period last year.
Dengue is a life-threatening viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. In 2024 alone, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported over 14 million dengue cases and more than 10,000 deaths worldwide.
Fighting Dengue with Community Engagement
Despite the controversy, local officials argue that the campaign has helped engage the community in the fight against dengue. According to village staff member Carmelita Gonzales, at least 36 residents have actively participated, with many viewing the initiative as both a public service and a game.
While the long-term effectiveness of "May Piso sa Mosquito" remains uncertain, the campaign has undeniably sparked discussions on how to tackle mosquito-borne diseases creatively. For now, as dengue cases remain high, the village plans to continue rewarding residents for their mosquito-catching efforts.
