Catanduanes: The Department of Health in Bicol Region (DOH-5) has extended significant assistance to Catanduanes province, delivering over PHP1.7 million worth of medicines and logistics. This effort comes in response to the severe impact of Super Typhoon Uwan, internationally known as Fung-wong, which recently struck the area.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOH-5 has also deployed teams focusing on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) as well as the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP) to aid in the delivery of essential health and nutrition services to evacuees and patients affected by the cyclone. An additional PHP151,636 worth of medicines was provided to local DOH offices.

DOH-5 Regional Director Rose Rempillo highlighted the ongoing assessment of damages by personnel on the ground. She noted that while the Eastern Bicol Medical Center (EBMC) remains functional with minor damage, some rural health units are still compiling their reports. Rempillo emphasized the importance of the assistance in ensuring a timely response and the continuous provision of health services in the affected regions.

Furthermore, Health Facility Enhancement Program teams have been dispatched to Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, and Camarines Norte to evaluate the condition of health facilities. These teams are tasked with facilitating immediate recovery efforts and restoring normal healthcare operations. An initial shipment of PHP100,000 worth of medicines has also been sent to Camarines Sur to bolster ongoing response initiatives.

In a move to ensure comprehensive healthcare services for affected residents, Rempillo visited Catanduanes and Camarines Norte, where she conducted briefings with Governor Patrick Azanza and Acting Governor Joseph Ascutia, respectively.