ANTIQUE – Hospitals and primary care facilities (PCFs) in Antique remain under Code White Alert as the province strengthens its preparedness for heat-related illnesses and other emergencies amid the El Niño phenomenon.
The Office of the Provincial Health Officer–Disaster Risk Reduction and Management–Health (OPHO-DRRM-H) Unit reported the continuing alert during the fourth-quarter Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) meeting, represented by Provincial Health Officer I Dr. Leoncio Abiera Jr.
The Code White Alert, declared in April 2026, ensures that health facilities are prepared for a possible increase in patients requiring emergency medical attention. Abiera said the Emergency Operations Center (OPCEN) also remains operational 24 hours a day.
“Kay may mga trained responders ron kita, indi ron kita gawa maayawan magresponde in kaso nga may heat incidents kay rugyan sanda from across the province,” Abiera said.
Under the OPHO’s Heat-Health Action Plan, health facilities are preparing emergency supplies and ensuring the availability of drinking water, proper ventilation, cooling areas, intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solutions and ice.
Health authorities are also monitoring heat-related illnesses to facilitate timely medical intervention.
Basic Life Support and Hands-Only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation trainings have been conducted since Jan. 27 for barangay health workers, persons deprived of liberty, municipal disaster risk reduction and management officers, and resort owner-responders.
Data from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office showed no recorded human deaths caused by heat. However, Abiera emphasized the importance of adequate hydration as temperatures rise.
“Number 1 gid nga priority nga ubrahon para makalikaw sa heat-induced illnesses is ang pag-inum kang tubig,” he said, urging residents to drink enough water throughout the day.
The OPHO is also strengthening water preparedness through rainwater harvesting, identifying alternative water sources, and implementing water conservation and safety measures in hospitals and primary care facilities.
Meanwhile, the Health Education and Promotion Unit continues to release public health advisories and preventive information through the Provincial Health Office’s official Facebook page and other social media platforms.
Abiera also highlighted the mental health effects of prolonged drought on communities and emergency responders, noting that the impacts of El Niño extend beyond physical health.
He urged the public and emergency personnel to remain mindful of one another’s mental health and well-being as the province continues to cope with the effects of extreme heat and drought./PN
