Herbosa stranded in Leyte as DOH conducts operations amid Super Typhoon Uwan
By Jel Santos
DOH SECRETARY TED HERBOSA (PHOTO: DOH)
Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa is currently stranded in Palo, Leyte, as he leads 24/7 Regional Health Emergency Operations in Eastern Samar amid the continuing onslaught of Super Typhoon Uwan, the agency reported on Sunday, Nov. 9.
“Alinsunod sa mandato ng Pangulong Bong Bong Marcos Jr., na personal na alamin ang kalagayan ng nga naapektuhan ng bagyong Tino at tatamaan ng bagyong Uwan, mismong si DOH Sec Ted Herbosa ang nanguna sa operasyon sa mga munisipalidad ng Silago, Hinunangan, St. Bernard, Sogod at Bontoc Southern Leyte kahapon, Nov. 8 (In line with the directive of President Bongbong Marcos Jr. to personally assess the condition of those affected by Typhoon Tino and those expected to be hit by Typhoon Uwan, DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa himself led the operations in the municipalities of Silago, Hinunangan, St. Bernard, Sogod, and Bontoc in Southern Leyte yesterday, Nov. 8),” it said in an advisory.
According to the DOH, addressing the immediate needs of affected families remains a top priority.
“Tubig, pagkain, at pagpapaayos ng tirahan ng mga residente ang kailangang iprayoridad (Water, food, and shelter repair for residents must be prioritized),” the DOH said.
Despite the adverse weather, the health department said several emergency interventions are already underway.
“Nagsagawa ng water testing ang grupo ng DOH para makakuha ng malinis na tubig ang mga nasalanta ng bagyo (The DOH team conducted water testing to ensure that typhoon victims can access safe drinking water),” it said.
The DOH said it also deployed specialists in public health, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), psychosocial support, and nutrition to assist local health offices in affected provinces. Continuous delivery of essential medicines and nutrition commodities to affected communities is also ongoing.
Per the DOH, logistics amounting to P8.2 million have been allocated and are ready for deployment across the region to sustain health operations related to both Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan.