Residents of Manila in the Philippines, where dengue fever cases are rising, lined up Wednesday to collect a bounty: one peso for every five mosquitoes, dead or alive.
One of them, Iluminado Candasua, brought three live specimens in a sealed plastic cup.
"It is very difficult to catch mosquitoes," he told AFP, explaining that he had strategically chosen a fire station to trap the insects.
Mr. Candasua said the peso he received for his efforts, worth just over a U.S. cent, would go into a piggy bank that he is using to save for a cell phone for his child.
The project was launched by Carlito Cernal, chief of the village of Addition Hills (east of the capital).
He believes his idea could have a "huge impact" on slowing down dengue fever, although health officials and experts interviewed by AFP remain skeptical.
This tropical disease, although rarely fatal, manifests itself with symptoms ranging from fever and headache to swollen lymph nodes.
And the archipelago has seen an "unusual increase" in cases this year, with 28,200 patients recorded as of February 1, according to Health Ministry spokesman Dr. Albert Domingo, an increase of 40% compared to the same period last year.
Five cities and municipalities have so far declared outbreaks.
– “Back to basics” –
On Wednesday, Dr Domingo told AFP it was important for local communities to consult with health authorities before taking ad hoc action, adding that the best way to address the problem was to "go back to basics".
"The sooner we clean our environment and all areas where stagnant water accumulates, the better we can fight dengue," he said, urging residents to protect themselves with insect repellents and long sleeves.
Public health expert Anthony Leachon told AFP he welcomed all initiatives to combat dengue fever, but the local campaign in Addition Hills would have "little to no impact at all".
Some residents, he warned, might even exacerbate the problem by breeding mosquitoes for money.
Rachel Estoque, a 45-year-old housewife, told AFP she had gotten up early to catch mosquito larvae that were developing in the water in her flower pot.
The 20 larvae earned him four pesos, the equivalent of a very small bottle of cooking oil.
But like others waiting to trade their catch, Estoque said the money was less important than the principle at stake.
"I know how scary and difficult it is," she said, explaining that her child has already contracted dengue fever.
"That's why I'm taking part in this initiative," she says.
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