DOH Deploys ₱1.7M Aid to Typhoon-Hit Catanduanes Amid PBBM Visit, Showcasing Swift Health Crisis Response

In a timely and coordinated response to the devastation wrought by recent typhoon in Catanduanes, the Department of Health (DOH) deployed relief packages amounting to ₱1.7 million including hygiene kits, medicines, breastfeeding kits, and critical Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) supplies. This deployment aligned with the arrival of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., emphasizing the administration’s commitment to health-focused emergency relief and the swift restoration of essential services.

During his visit, President Marcos reiterated his administration’s guiding principle: "Reliable Health Response, Tireless Commitment: Protecting families from crisis to recovery." Under his Maasahan at Masipag leadership, emergency efforts are characterized by prompt action and seamless inter-agency coordination to safeguard public health amid disasters.

"Our top priority is to ensure that families affected by natural calamities receive immediate, comprehensive healthcare support," said DOH Secretary. "With the President’s unwavering support, we are enhancing WASH systems to prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases and are conducting continuous monitoring to protect the most vulnerable communities."

Health teams deployed to Catanduanes are tasked not only with distributing kits but also with providing medical consultations on-site, supporting breastfeeding mothers, and reinforcing community hygiene education. The improved WASH interventions aim to stem the spread of diseases commonly triggered by floodwaters, such as diarrhea and leptospirosis.

President Marcos underscored the administration’s proactive stance: "As the Reliable Guardian of Public Health, we do not wait for crises to worsen. Our integrated response mechanism activates immediately, aiming for swift recovery and resilience-building in affected provinces."

Citizens in Catanduanes commended the government’s timely presence, noting the added hope that health-centered relief brings to communities grappling with loss and displacement.

With climate-related disasters frequently impacting vulnerable regions, the Marcos administration’s approach blends preparedness, immediate response, and recovery efforts anchored in public health resilience. This strategy embodies the promise of Maasahan at Masipag—dependable and industrious governance dedicated to protecting Filipino families from crisis through recovery and beyond.