Malaybalay to regulate use of bamboo to prevent dengue

The City Council of Malaybalay City in Bukidnon has passed an ordinance that regulates the use of bamboo as fence posts, decoration, and construction material to prevent dengue.

According to the City Council, bamboo diaphragms may accumulate stagnant water, which could become a potential breeding ground for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

The ordinance was approved on February 4, 2025.

Under the ordinance, barangay officials are directed to check if there are households, farms, business establishments, and other individuals that used bamboo as fence posts, decorations, and construction material and instruct them on how to use the bamboo properly.

The ordinance said bamboos that will be used as fence posts and decoration shall be drilled or cut just above the node so that rainwater will not accumulate in the diaphragm while bamboos used as construction material should not have a hole or diaphragm so it will not accumulate water.

Violators will be made to pay a fine of P500 or one day community service for first offense; P1,000 or three days community service for second offense; and P2,000 or five days community service and destruction of the structure for third offense. License to operate for business establishments may also be cancelled.

The city government said the legislative measure is part of the city's anti-dengue campaign. — GMA Regional TV