Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 11) — Health Secretary Ted Herbosa on Sunday said he has conducted a command conference to better manage and augment Albay’s response to the nutritional, mental, and psychosocial needs of residents affected by the restive Mayon volcano.
“Maraming ginawa na. June 8 pa lang, nag-activate na sila ng emergency [response] sa Bicol Center for Health Development,” Herbosa said, referring to the disaster response team formed by the regional office of the Department of Health (DOH) in Bicol.
[Translation: Actions have already been taken. Since June 8, they have already activated the emergency response at the Bicol Center for Health Development.]
The DOH chief said the agency has allocated ₱1.8 million as contingency funds or around ₱300,000 for every affected local government unit (LGU). He added that he had already ordered to tap more funds for additional needs, such as face masks and hygiene kits.
A code blue alert had also been raised in Albay to enable all hospitals to stockpile resources and deploy health emergency teams.
In the command conference, Herbosa said he had issued directives and had agreements with local health officials, which included conducting the surveillance post extreme emergencies and disasters (SPEED) system and continuing the operation of the incident command system.
“Sinabi ko magkaroon tayo ng [I said we should have] adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene commodities para sa mga nandoon sa [in our] evacuation centers, ibig sabihin noon [meaning] additional portable toilets, additional water for bathing and sanitary kits,” Herboza said.
The Health secretary said 167 human resource centers have been positioned in the 18 active evacuation centers.
RELATED: Albay to finish evacuation of residents from Mayon danger zone today
The DOH also said face masks are “adequate” protection, reminding residents that health risks always accompany any volcanic activity, especially if emissions of sulfur dioxide and particulate matter from ashfalls are inhaled.
Monitoring nutrition
Herbosa said he has spoken with Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian to address nutrition problems, as evacuees may have to stay in temporary shelters for months. Mayon Volcano is currently under Alert Level 3 as it shows signs of intensified or magmatic unrest.
“May initial needs assessment na nangyayari ngayon ang National Nutrition Council ng LGU,” the health secretary said. “Nag-reiterate din tayo ng guidelines natin sa ating LGUs na mag-provide ng nutrition services during emergencies and disasters.”
[Translation: Initial needs assessment by Bicol’s National Nutrition Council is ongoing. We have reiterated guidelines to our LGUs to provide nutrition services during emergencies and disasters.]The agency is set to monitor those assessed to be moderately and severely malnourished but the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will also help in overseeing the response.
“Very important ‘yong issue sa mga very crowded camps ang establishment of breastfeeding stations kasi siksikan na sa 18 evacuation centers,” he said, as they formulate steps to provide the needs of pregnant and lactating women.
[Translation: The establishment of breastfeeding stations is also a very important issue in crowded camps as currently the 18 active evacuation centers are serving many locals.]
Mental, psychosocial health important
The DOH chief also said the Bicol inter-agency mental health and psychosocial support services have been activated.
“Nawala sila sa bahay, apektado ang karamihan ng mamamayan, uncertain sila kung anong mangyayari [kaya] psychosocial services ay napakaimportante,” he said.
[Translation: They’ve been moved out of their homes, many citizens are affected, they are uncertain what would happen, that’s why psychosocial services are important.]But aside from the displaced residents, Herbosa highlighted that the province would need to also take care of its healthcare workers and frontline personnel, as they could suffer from burnout, stress, and anxiety.
“Tandaan niyo June 8 pa nandyan ‘yan, kaya agad-agad din ako nagpa-deploy ng mga additional tao from the central office para makapagpahinga naman yung mga ibang nagreresponde dito sa mga biktima,” he said.
