Isabela Professor’s IoT-enabled mosquito surveillance to combat dengue outbreaks in PH communities

19 February 2025

Geraldine Bulaon-Ducusin

Writer

Dr. Betchie Aguinaldo, Director of the Business Intelligence Research & Development Center of Isabela State University (ISU) leads its efforts to advance STI through data science and analytics, creating data-driven systems to support and strengthen tech companies in Cagayan Valley.

Dr. Aguinaldo led the development of the IoT-Based OL Trap Community Dengue Early Warning System (CDEWS), a project funded by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD).

CDEWS is a tool designed to monitor and control mosquito populations with the use of an Orvicidal Larvicidal Trap (OL Trap). Inside the trap is a built-in smart camera that automatically captures, counts, and records Aedes aegypti eggs. The automated nature of the system helps to immediately identify areas with high mosquito activity to conduct localized mosquito-control measures. The collected data is automatically sent to a server for analysis by health officials and community leaders.

We wanted to go beyond the traditional methods because we believe that innovation makes monitoring easier and faster. By using this technology, we are giving people the ability to stay ahead of the problem, not just react to it. This is a reflection of our unending commitment to public health and safer communities.

Dr. Betchie Aguinaldo, Isabela State University (ISU)

Aguinaldo added that their vision is to create a community where dengue is no longer a threat. To achieve this, they will strive to make their solution even more effective and user-friendly.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control identifies Aedes aegypti as a vector for several viruses including yellow fever virus, dengue virus chikungunya virus, and Zika virus.

Traditionally, mosquito surveillance such as egg counting and inspections are time-consuming and prone to human error. This method fails to provide real-time data, causing delays in data collection. This delay permits mosquito populations to continue escalating, and results in increasing the risk of disease transmission.

With the CDEWS invention, however, the manual method of monitoring Aedes aegypti eggs was replaced with the use of IoT. This technology can provide a versatile solution that can be adapted to diverse geographical settings and integrated with existing Aedes aegypti surveillance systems to optimize dengue prevention efforts.

The advantage of CDEWS over other similar technologies is its sustainability and adaptability. The system was deployed and tested in rural and isolated communities, and it proved and validated to function in real-world conditions. The technology works and provides reliable, actionable data to support the control of mosquito populations. Additionally, CDEWS was designed factoring in the specific needs of local communities, so it goes beyond just being innovative, it is built to create lasting change in the community.

A demonstration of the OL Trap (CDEWS), an enhanced ovicidal-larvicidal trap using IoT for early dengue outbreak detection.

Other than dengue risk mitigation, CDEWS also has potential applications in agriculture. It can be adapted to monitor crop and livestock pest damage, assisting farmers in promptly responding to problems. This leads to more sustainable and environmentally- friendly farming practices, increased productivity, and reduced losses. The technology, which targets investors in the field of IoT and public health, also has the potential to improve approaches to pest management that are more targeted and effective.

Like most research and development projects, CDEWS encountered some challenges during its development, such as internet signal connectivity issues in some areas. This was addressed by strategically installing antennas in key locations to strengthen the signal transmission. Another challenge was ensuring the security of the trap in public areas to prevent tampering. These traps were designed to be durable and equipped with mechanisms to deter unauthorized access. The team adjusted the traps to make them durable and resistant to external conditions.

Currently, Aguinaldo’s Team collaborates with the local government units (LGUs) and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and they are also aiming to collaborate with international research bodies to extend the technology’s reach, as this might open additional funding avenues and also for the Team to benefit from the research facilities available. Some of these goals just may not be far from happening with CDEWS’ recent participation in the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, which showcased global innovations.

The Team believes that international expositions are great opportunities for networking and collaboration. They are opportunities to display the innovative technology of the Filipino on the world stage and open up new doors to new resources by engaging with various stakeholders. The CES 2025 event also provides a deep sense of pride among Filipinos when local inventions are recognized and celebrated on a global platform.

It allows us to share a great story that we are becoming a center of innovation. This inspires not only those directly involved but many more like students and aspiring inventors who see this achievement as a piece of evidence that dreams do come true.

Dr. Betchie Aguinaldo, Isabela State University (ISU)

The Isabela State University (ISU) welcomes collaborations, partnerships, investments, and licensing opportunities. Explore the future of IoT-Based OL Trap Community Dengue Early Warning System (CDEWS) with ISU- Business Intelligence and Research and Development Center. Contact Dr. Betchie E. Aguinaldo at betchie.e.aguinaldo@isu.edu.ph

** This article is part of the "PhilippiNOW: Philippines’ New Opportunities, Worldwide" campaign for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025. For more information and event updates, please visit the DOST-TAPI website at www.tapi.dost.gov.ph. For media inquiries, please get in touch with Ms. Mirielle Vacal at +639567113145 or Mr. Heherson Valdez at +639064477735, or email ccu@tapi.dost.gov.ph **