DOH CALABARZON AUGMENTS MEDICAL SUPPLIES FOR TAAL EVACUEES AND RESPONDERS

By Glen S. Ramos & Benjamin Cuaresma

MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) yesterday augmented its resources in response to the recent phreatomagmatic activities of Taal volcano in the Province of Batangas.

Regional Director Ariel I. Valencia distributed facemasks to the evacuees temporarily staying at the evacuation center in Ticub Elementary School, Laurel, Batangas during his visit on March 28, 2022.

Regional Director Ariel I. Valencia visited several evacuation centers (ECs) in the province, particularly in Laurel and Agoncillo, to personally check the situation of the evacuees and respond to their needs.

“Napakahalaga na nakikita natin ang sitwasyon ng mga evacuees para malaman natin ano ano pa ang mga kailangan nila at matugunan agad ito,” Director Valencia said.

The regional office provides losartan, amlodipine, antihistamine, paracetamol, oral rehydration and vitamins, medical supplies, including surgical face masks, alcohol, and ‘buntis kits’ to municipal health centers in most affected areas of the Taal volcano eruption.

DOH-IVA Regional Director Ariel I. Valencia (center-in blue vest), DOH Regional Office staff and Municipal Health Center staff pose for a photo outside Agoncillo Health Center on March 28, 2022.

During the regional director’s visit to the evacuation centers in Laurel and Agoncillo, he reminded evacuees of the strict adherence to the minimum public health standards to prevent and control COVID-19.

DOH 4A Regional Director Ariel I. Valencia personally handed over the needed logistics to Laurel Municipal Health Officer Benbenato Garcia as part of the DOH abrupt response to Taal Eruption on March 28, 2022.

“Patuloy po natin pinaalalahanan ang mga residente higit sa lahat ang mga evacuees na tayo ay nasa pandemya pa rin at kailangan nating sumunod sa mga health protocols gaya ng social distancing, pagsusuot ng face mask at paghuhugas ng kamay.”

“Patuloy ang mga aktibidad ng bulkan kaya mag-ingat po ang lahat, manatiling nakaantabay sa mga anunsyo at sumunod sa mga utos ng ating lokal na pamahalaan para sa ating kaligtasan at kaligtasan ng mga mahal natin sa buhay” Valencia emphasized. (ai/mtvn)