𝐁𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐎𝐎 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐎𝐏⎮ 𝐋𝐆𝐔 𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐒𝐔–𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 | ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY

Isabela State University–Cauayan Campus emerged as a key force in strengthening the city’s fight against dengue after being cited by the City Government of Cauayan for its leadership in implementing Project CDEWS (Community Dengue Early Warning System) during its culmination and awarding ceremonies at the ICONIC Hotel, December 15.

Project CDEWS is a collaborative initiative involving the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the LGU of Cauayan, and the ISU Business Innovation and Research Development Center (BIRD-C). The project uses a data-driven, preventive approach to dengue control, integrating surveillance systems, early warning mechanisms, and community-level responses.

The ceremony was attended by Prof. Dr. Marisol S. Foronda, Executive Officer; Prof. Dr. Liezl Joy L. Quilang, Director for Academic Affairs; Prof. Dr. Lorelei C. Tabago, Director for Research and Development and Knowledge and Technology Management; Dr. Nancy G. De Leon, Director for Extension and Services; Assoc. Prof. Ryan P. Salviejo, Director for Public Relations, External Linkages, and International Affairs; and Dr. Regine M. Manzanillo, BIRD-C Director.

Cauayan City was named one of 50 global finalists in the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ 2025 Mayors Challenge, chosen from over 630 entries across 33 countries. Project CDEWS was recognized for its innovative online platform using IoT-based ovitraps to detect Aedes aegypti mosquito eggs, predict household infestation levels, and provide early warning with sanitation recommendations to prevent dengue outbreaks.

As a finalist, the city will receive $50,000 to prototype the project and participate in Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Ideas Camp for expert feedback. In January 2026, the 25 most promising city proposals will each receive $1 million and operational support to implement their solutions.

With dengue remaining a major public health challenge in the Philippines and ASEAN, Project CDEWS reveals the impact of proactive and science-led prevention. ISU–Cauayan’s involvement emphasizes the campus’ capacity to translate research into public health action and highlights its growing role as a partner in innovation-driven local governance.

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