DOH gives P5-M aid to LGUs affected by Mayon

FILE: The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday provided a quick release fund amounting to PHP5 million to finance continuous monitoring and augmentation supplies for the affected families of the eruption of Mayon Volcano in Albay province. (PNA Photo)

MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday provided a quick release fund amounting to PHP5 million to finance continuous monitoring and augmentation supplies for the affected families of the eruption of Mayon Volcano in Albay province.

“As of Monday, the DOH has provided a total of PHP3,027,155.13 worth of commodities and financial assistance to affected local government units. This includes the provision of tents, mask, health advisories, jerry cans, drugs and medicines and financial assistance of P2 million for the Province of Albay for the construction of toilets and bathing facilities in evacuation centers,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said.

The health department vowed continuous monitoring with the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) regarding the status of Mayon, and for any untoward incident and response needs.

Mt. Mayon has been exhibiting increased seismic unrest, lava fountaining and summit explosions, prompting authorities to extend the danger zone to eight kilomters from the summit vent.

The Center for Health Development Bicol has deployed its Rapid Health Assessment teams and monitoring teams since January 13 to evacuation centers in Camalig, Guinobatan, Daraga, Tabaco City, Sto. Domingo, Malilipot, Legazpi City and Ligao City, Albay.

A total of 326 DOH health workers, including nurses and midwives were augmented and deployed in the said evacuation centers.

Last week, Assistant Secretary Nestor Santiago monitored the actions taken by the DOH Bicol and the situation of 35,436 evacuees.

“Right now, we are on code blue alert due to the Oplan: Mayon Operations. The DOH has already set up 24-hour medical stations and free check-ups in every evacuation sites. Evacuees were provided of safe drinking water and sanitary facilities. Those who were suffering of ailments were given medicines and managed,” Duque said.

The DOH hospitals, Bicol Regional Training & Teaching Hospital and Bicol Medical Center initiated and provided fast lanes and stand-by medical teams in their facilities. They will also augment health workers and adopt evacuation centers to provide medical assistance in case there is a need and if condition worsens.

“The DOH Bicol Region is prepared and still has Php 6,860,372.17 worth of assorted medicines and commodities in stock at our warehouse”, said Bicol Regional Director Dr. Napoleon L. Arevalo during a press briefing on Monday.

“This week, Assistant Secretary Santiago and the Health Emergency Management Bureau and will be monitoring the state of the evacuees and further assess their needs. DOH will be ready and prepared in providing better health especially in times of natural disasters,” Duque added.

The DOH has reminded the public that a special lane for those affected by the Mayon eruption has been designated in DOH hospitals in order to facilitate immediate medical assistance.

With the ash fall currently being experienced by the residents near Mayon, the DOH has strongly advised the public to minimize exposure to ash, stay indoors as much as possible, and wear protective covers against volcanic ashes which should be avoided especially by anyone with pre-existing health conditions such as bronchitis, emphysema, or asthma.

To date, the eruption has now affected a total of 10,491 families or 40,718 persons or 39 barangays in the affected municipalities/cities.

Of the number, 6,498 displaced families/24,611 persons are currently accommodated in 27 evacuation centers.