DOH, DILG urged to provide free face masks, rubbing alcohol at evac centers

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Risa Hontiveros on Friday urged the Department of Health (DOH) and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to provide free face masks and alcohol for Typhoon Ulysses victims staying in evacuation centers as the country continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic.

Hontiveros said that the recent typhoon was “worse than Typhoon Ondoy” since not only did it “trigger one of the worst floodings in history,” but it also happened at a time of a pandemic.

“Kung akala natin malala na ang sitwasyon ngayon, mas lalala pa kung magiging COVID superspreader ang mga evacuation centers natin. Para sa karamihan ng nasalanta, lahat na nga ay nawala sa kanila, tapos, magkakasakit pa sila? Tulungan natin silang umiwas sa COVID-19,” Hontiveros said in a statement.

(If we think the situation is already bad, it will only worsen if our evacuation centers become COVID superspreader. Those affected by the storm already lost everything, then they will get sick? Let us help them avoid contracting the disease.)

“The last thing we need is for our COVID cases to spike again. Hirap na hirap na tayo sa patuloy-tuloy at patong-patong na krisis (We are already struggling with the crisis),” she added.

Hontiveros added that the DOH could also deploy doctors to the evacuation centers to check for symptoms and other health concerns, especially for the senior citizens, children and immunocompromised.

“This will help us keep the survivors of Typhoon Ulysses safe while their communities are being restored and rebuilt,” Hontiveros said.

“We may have rescued them from dangerous flooding, but let’s not put them at risk of a dangerous virus. Everyone’s health is our number one priority, so we need everyone’s cooperation and participation,” she added.

Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian urged the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and local government units (LGUs) to ensure that relief efforts in the aftermath of typhoons address the needs of affected children.

“Patuloy nating dapat tutukan ang pangangailangan at kaligtasan ng ating mga kabataan, lalo na iyong mga nawalan ng tahanan dahil sa hagupit ng magkakasunod na bagyo,” Gatchalian said.

“Ngayong bumabangon tayo mula sa pinsalang dulot ng nagdaang mga kalamidad, nananatili rin ang ating tungkuling protektahan ang ating mga kababayan, kabilang ang ating mga kabataan, mula sa panganib ng COVID-19,” he added.

Typhoon Ulysses battered parts of the country on Thursday, prompting tens and thousands to seek safety in evacuation centers as flooding reached their homes.