CAPIZ – The Capiz provincial government has placed its health system on high alert as Severe Tropical Storm “Opong” approaches Western Visayas, rolling out proactive measures to safeguard residents.
Gov. Fredenil H. Castro, through the Provincial Health Office (PHO) led by Dr. Alex Nolasco, ordered heightened preparedness in response to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) issuance of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over parts of the region, including Capiz.
Other areas under signal warning include the northern portion of Iloilo (San Dionisio, Batad, Balasan, Carles, Sara, Concepcion, Ajuy, Lemery, Barotac Viejo, San Rafael, Banate, Anilao, San Enrique, Passi City, Bingawan, Calinog, Lambunao, Dueñas, and Dingle) as well as Aklan.
To prepare, the PHO conducted an inventory of essential health commodities and medicines, including supplies for public health, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), nutrition in emergencies, and mental health and psychosocial support. The goal is to ensure that vulnerable populations can access vital resources once the storm hits.
The initiative is being spearheaded by Dr. Leah L. Rosario, Dr. Jo Ann M. Apolinario, Dr. Gemma M. Bavia, and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management–Health (DRRM-H) Program Manager Jasmin Gallaza-Rabe. Together, they aim to bolster the province’s emergency response capacity and provide immediate support to affected communities.
Local DRRM-H managers and the Health Emergency Response Team (HERT) have also been mobilized, prepositioning hygiene kits, first aid kits, and other emergency supplies across Capiz.
The CPHO urged residents to take precautionary measures and actively participate in preparedness efforts, stressing that individual responsibility is key to community resilience.
“As we brace for the impact of the storm, the provincial government remains committed to the health and safety of every Capisnon,” the CPHO said in a statement./PN
