DOH sets aside P55 million in aid for Agaton-hit areas

The Department of Health (DOH) has allocated over P55.7 million worth of supplies in regions directly affected by the onslaught of Tropical Depression Agaton, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Tuesday.

At a media briefing, Vegeire said P55,736,644.82 in logistics had been made available in the regional warehouses in the Regions 5, 6, 8, and 10.

Of this amount, P6,177,508.19 worth of supplies consisting of medicines, health kits, personal protective equipment (PPEs), and other medical and COVID-19 supplies were already prepositioned and ready to be used in Regions 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10.

“Makakaasa po ang ating mga kababayan na handang tumugon ang Kagawaran ng Kalusugan sa tulong sa ating local government units at sa mga centers for health development sa pangkalusugang pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan na nasalanta ng bagyo,” Vergeire said.

(We assure the public that the Department of Health is ready to respond to the health needs of those affected by the typhoon, with the assistance of our local government units and the centers for health development.)

Vergeire reminded the people affected by the storm to prepare their go-bags which should include food, toiletries, first aid kit, survival kit, clothes, beddings, and PPEs in case they need to be transferred to evacuation centers.

“Maging alerto sa magiging anunsyo ng inyong mga lokal na pamahalaan, gayon din ang national government, hinggil sa paghahanda at posibleng paglikas para sa mga ganitong kalagayan,” she added.

(Be alert for announcements by your local governments and national governments regarding the preparation and possible evacuation for such situations.)

She also called on the local government units to designate safety officers to man the evacuation centers in order to ensure that evacuees comply with the minimum public health standards. 

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Tuesday that a total of 139,146 people or 95,741 families were affected by Agaton in 274 barangays in Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Davao, Soccsksargen, Caraga, and Bangsamoro. —NB, GMA News