Legazpi city: The city government has prepared 50,000 tablets of doxycycline, a medication used to prevent leptospirosis, in response to flooding in various areas due to heavy rains from weather disturbances. Mayor Hisham Ismail said tablets would be available for free at the city pharmacy.

According to Philippines News Agency, those interested in obtaining the medication must coordinate with their respective barangay captains and barangay nurses. A list will be created, and the tablets will be distributed to those listed, Mayor Ismail stated in a phone interview on Friday. Once the initial supply is completely distributed, the city has funds available to purchase more tablets, he assured.

Ismail emphasized that this medicine is part of efforts to ensure that those who have been exposed to floodwaters have preventive measures against leptospirosis. He added that the medicines were procured during the tenure of former Mayor Alfredo Garbin Jr., who is now a representative of the Ako Bicol Partylist, as part of a health initiative to protect residents during flooding.

Ismail also mentioned that declogging, clearing, and desilting activities conducted earlier this year helped reduce flooding in the city. Floodwaters in some barangays have now receded, and those who sought temporary shelter are back home.