Dengue cases in the MIMAROPA region declined by 57% in the first 15 weeks of 2026 compared with last year, but Palawan province and Puerto Princesa City continue to account for about half of all reported infections, based on regional surveillance data updated as of April 18.
Health records showed 1,942 dengue cases and 17 deaths across MIMAROPA from Morbidity Weeks 1 to 15. This is significantly lower than the 4,468 cases recorded during the same period in 2025. Despite the decrease, children aged 1 to 10 years old remain the most affected group, comprising 38% or 735 cases.
Males slightly outnumber females in infections, with 1,007 cases compared to 935. Of the total cases, 784 were classified as probable, 635 as suspect, and 523 as confirmed. Government hospitals reported the majority of cases at 1,060, followed by private hospitals (442) and rural health units (440).
Palawan, Puerto Princesa account for half of regional cases
Palawan province and Puerto Princesa City recorded a combined 1,153 cases and 11 deaths, accounting for roughly 50% of the region’s total dengue burden. The figure is also 50% lower than the 2,303 cases logged in the same period last year.
Palawan province alone reported 812 cases, while Puerto Princesa City recorded 341.
Municipal trends show mixed movement
In Palawan, the highest number of cases was recorded in Narra with 160, marking a 28% increase from 2025 levels. It was followed by Bataraza (97), Roxas (91), Brooke’s Point (79), and Busuanga (56).
While most municipalities posted declines, Cuyo recorded a sharp 233% increase, rising from three cases last year to 10 cases in 2026.
Clustered outbreaks in 20 barangays
Health surveillance also identified 20 barangays with dengue clustering between Morbidity Weeks 13 to 15, indicating multiple cases occurring within a short period.
In Puerto Princesa City, clustering was reported in San Pedro, Santa Monica, Mandaragat, San Manuel, Tiniguiban, Irawan, San Jose, and Sicsican.
In Palawan, affected areas include Narra (Narra, Princess Urduja, Panacan, Panacan 2), Culion (Malaking Patag, Libis), Roxas (Barangay IV, New Barbacan), and single-barangay clusters in Bataraza (Rio Tuba), Brooke’s Point (Barong-Barong), Taytay (Poblacion), and San Vicente (Port Barton).
Health authorities continue monitoring clustered areas as part of ongoing dengue surveillance efforts across the region.
