LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – Albay second district Rep. Joey Salceda has allocated P6 million from the Medical Assistance for Indigent Program fund for three hospitals in Catanduanes for the hospitalization of patients from six municipalities severely affected by super typhoon "Pepito."
AERIAL photo shows houses damaged by super typhoon 'Pepito' in Panganiban, Catanduanes. (Rep. Joey Salceda FB)
Salceda said that the allocation has been downloaded to the Catanduanes Doctors Hospital, Immaculate Heart of Mary Hospital, and Eastern Bicol Medical Center through the Department of Health-Center for Health Development. Each hospital received P2 million each.
"Downloaded na ‘yan sa DOH-CHD (It has been downloaded to) and we facilitated with the two private hospitals," Salceda said.
Salceda also said that Team Albay Youth Organization has launched “Oplan: Papagicabavi” (Panganiban, Pandan, Gigmoto, Caramoran, Bagamanoc, and Viga) to help people of Catanduanes affected by the typhoon.
"Sixty Tayo volunteers to assist. Medical mission by Berces Hospital, medical mission by Cope Hospital, and mobile lab by Tanchuling Hospital. Funded separately by around P5 million each so P15 million secured also from MAIP. Kasi after checkup (Because after checkup), either give medicines or refer to hospitals. Bale P21 million for medical assistance to the six Papagicabavi under A2C2 or Albay in Action and Compassion for Catanduanes," Salceda said.
He added that Oplan: Papagicabavi has 10 components in Catanduanes – medical mission, WatSan: mobile potable water treatment (Polangui and Santo Domingo filtration machine and tank lorry), MAIP for three hospitals in Catanduanes, psychosocial intervention, distribution of donations, Starlink to each local government units (LGUs) donated by Diday Co, sweat equity to home rebuilding, agricultural interventions, water filters from Coke Foundation and San Miguel, and 1,200 seven-liter water bottles from Erwin Cua.
He said that an advance party will depart on Wednesday, Nov. 20, while the entire team will be arrive on Friday.