The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has provided health and hygiene services to more than 4,800 individuals affected by Tropical Storm Enteng (internationally known as “Yagi”) from September 2 to 6. 

As of 12 noon on September 6, the PRC’s Health units have conducted health promotion and awareness sessions on common diseases during the rainy season like dengue and leptospirosis for 1,716 evacuees in Marikina, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Caloocan, Bulacan, Laguna, and La Union. 

Around 670 individuals in Quezon City, Manila, and Valenzuela received medicines, vitamins, and doxycycline (anti-leptospirosis medication). 56 people in Bataan and La Union were also given hygiene kits, while 244 people in Bulacan, La Union, and Nueva Ecija received information and education materials distributed by RC143 volunteers and staff. 

Meanwhile, 2,176 evacuees in Marikina, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Valenzuela, Laguna, and Pangasinan participated in hygiene promotion activities led by PRC’s wash, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) teams. Children were taught proper hand washing with soap, and other sanitation practices. 

“Health is a top priority for the Red Cross. In times of calamities, it’s not enough simply to survive, but to stay alive. Since disaster-stricken areas harbor many diseases, we aim to inform families and communities about how to identify health risks and treat these illnesses. We ask the public to always be mindful of their surroundings, and continue to be on alert,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon. 

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang emphasized that the PRC’s health and hygiene promotion campaigns go hand-in-hand. “Teaching children the proper way to wash their hands is a vital way of ensuring cleanliness and preventing sickness. Our volunteers and staff are assisting people to develop proper sanitation habits when they return to their homes.” 

As of 1 p.m. on September 6, the PRC has mobilized five food trucks, served hot meals to 9,671 individuals, and distributed food items (bread/donuts) to 7,363 people in evacuation centers in Metro Manila, and provinces in Regions I, III, IV-A, and VIII. 

Volunteers and staff have given psychological first aid to 321 individuals in need of psychosocial support. 416 children have participated in child-friendly space activities in the evacuation centers, while welfare desks have been established in 47 areas, and 37 first aid stations have been set up. 

More than 600 volunteers, consisting of over 560 RC143 and over 70 Red Cross Youth, have been mobilized for the PRC’s rescue and relief operations for Tropical Storm Enteng.