There’s something powerful about seeing children step up—not for a school activity, not for a photo op, but for a mission that protects lives.
This is exactly what The Sandy Project is championing as it officially kicked off its “Dengue Police” campaign, beginning with the deployment of 10 student-volunteers ages 10 to 15 from Feria Community in Barangay Matandang Balara (Old Balara), Quezon City. These young “Dengue Police” were recently deputized by The Sandy Project founder Ma. Louella Martinez-Aranas, and their role is simple yet impactful: patrol their community, check for mosquito breeding grounds, and encourage families to practice dengue prevention measures at home.
At the heart of it all is a clear reminder: dengue prevention doesn’t always start in hospitals—it starts in neighborhoods, in small daily habits, and in the willingness to care for one another.
A campaign rooted in purpose and community action
The “Dengue Police” campaign is a community-based initiative created to help reduce—if not prevent—dengue fever cases by raising awareness through hands-on involvement. Volunteers are pre-selected in collaboration with local barangays and schools before being officially deputized, reinforcing the campaign’s goal of empowering children to become early advocates for health and cleanliness.
The 10 deputized students in Old Balara are the first to officially begin patrols, checking their surroundings—from neighborhoods to school areas—as the campaign continues to roll out in the coming months.
“No lamok. No dengue.”
During the event, Martinez-Aranas rallied the community with a message that is both easy to remember and urgent to act on: “No lamok. No dengue. There are no mosquitoes if there are no breeding grounds. Let us fight Dengue together!”
The young volunteers—students from Commonwealth Elementary School— will be guided by Old Balara Barangay Kagawad Marilyn Diche and volunteer mother Rose Alcazer, ensuring the kids remain supported as they take on their new responsibilities.
A barangay already setting the standard
What made the kickoff even more inspiring was the environment the “Dengue Police” stepped into. A walkabout by The Sandy Project team in Feria Community revealed trash-free streets and organized garbage disposal containers placed in front of homes, sari-sari stores, and even the talipapa—proof that when a community commits to cleanliness, it shows.
Kagawad Diche has long been recognized for keeping the barangay clean and preventing the breeding of disease-carrying pests like mosquitoes and cockroaches—exactly the kind of local leadership that makes campaigns like this sustainable.
Why this campaign matters more than ever
The Sandy Project continues to urge intensified mosquito control especially during the rainy season, through consistent in-person inspections led by Dengue Police teams.
This advocacy is deeply personal for Martinez-Aranas, who began this mission in 2013—the same year she lost her 10-year-old daughter Sandy to dengue.
Watch out for the Dengue Police in your area
As the campaign grows, communities are encouraged to support these young volunteers and take part in simple actions that help stop dengue before it spreads.
Keep an eye out for the Dengue Police patrol in your schools and barangays.
If you’re interested join ‘Dengue Police’ please email: info@thesandyproject.com
