A village in Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, is offering 1 Philippine peso ($0.017) for every five mosquitoes or larvae caught as part of efforts to control rising dengue cases.

The campaign, “May Piso sa Mosquito” (“There’s Peso in Mosquito”), launched on Wednesday, has drawn crowds to the village hall.

Village chief Carlito Cernal defended the initiative, in spite of criticism from the Department of Health, suggesting waste collection might be a more effective solution.

At least 36 residents have participated so far, with one earning 9 pesos for collecting 45 mosquito larvae.

Some residents have expressed concern that the project could backfire and unscrupulous villagers may breed mosquitoes for the reward.

Nationwide, at least 21 people have died from dengue since January, according to the Department of Health, which recorded a total of 28,234 dengue cases from January to February 1, a 40 per cent increase from the same period in 2024.

Dengue is a life-threatening viral disease spread by mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions.

According to the World Health Organisation, in 2024, more than 14 million dengue cases and over 10,000 dengue-related deaths were reported globally. (dpa/NAN)