Ilocos region: The Department of Health in Ilocos Region (DOH-1) has placed all regional operations on heightened alert monitoring due to the torrential rains and severe flooding caused by the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat).

According to Philippines News Agency, DOH-1 Regional Director Helen Tobias stated that emergency response teams, medical personnel, and critical health logistics are fully operational to support local government units (LGUs) and evacuation centers. Essential medicines, first-aid supplies, hygiene kits, and water purification tablets have been pre-positioned throughout the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan.

The DOH-1 Center for Health Development Emergency Operations Center remains active 24 hours daily to closely coordinate with provincial disaster offices, LGU health units, and core regional hospitals, including the Region 1 Medical Center in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, and the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center in San Fernando City, La Union.

Tobias also advised the public to remain vigilant against water-borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea from unsafe water, as well as influenza and respiratory ailments due to cold, crowded evacuation spaces. She warned about the risks of leptospirosis from flood contamination and dengue from stagnant water breeding sites and urged adherence to safety protocols for evacuees and high-risk residents.

She asked the public to avoid wading or swimming in contaminated waters to prevent a spike in leptospirosis and other diseases. "Our preparedness remains our strongest shield against calamities, but public cooperation is vital. If you have no choice but to walk through floodwaters, immediately wash your limbs with clean water and soap, and visit your nearest Rural Health Unit within 24 to 48 hours for prophylactic Doxycycline treatment," Tobias said.