Medical Mission to Combat the Aftermath of Typhoon Uwan in Catanduanes

CCNCI, Tabi and UPLIPP pose for a photo op with PDRRMO Head Luis Surtida Jr.

The Climate Change Network for Community-based Initiatives (CCNCI), along with United Private Lying in Practitioner and Proprietress (UPLIPP), Tarabang para sa Bicol Inc. (TABI), Global Giving, and Brgy. Kagawad Elsie Tayamora Cabrera, held a medical mission this afternoon at Brgy. Patagan Salvacion, Catanduanes, Bicol.

CCNCI Executive Director Dr. Talens discuss with PDRRMO Head Luis Surtida Jr. to discuss their municipalities efforts to mitigate the effects of typhoons

First in the agenda was a courtesy call to Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) Head Luis Surtida Jr. where the organizations had the opportunity to consult him on the current state of Catanduanes amidst the aftermath of Typhoon Uwan.

CCNCI Executive Director Dr. Talens presents the advocacy of CCNCI to the residents of Brgy. Patagan Salvacion and Brgy.

The group then set their medical mission in Patagan Elementary School who for the residents of Brgy. Patagan Salvacion and Brgy. Patagan Santa Elena. According to Brgy. Kagawad Tayamora, her co residents do not have access to health services within their barangay and had to cross a river to get to the nearest facility for basic health care like immunization and prenatal services.

During major floods, she also explains that the Patagan Elementary School has served as their barangay’s main evacuation center because they have no other independent designated points. Especially in the event when major crossways are blocked by wooden debris , floods become exponentially worse due to the lack of drainage.

As for public hospitals, Kagawad Tayamora explains that citizens go to the Rural Health Unit in the event of serious illnesses; however, she also explains that their medical facilities are severely understaffed with only one volunteer nurse taking care of 300 residents of Patagan Salvavion . Most patients are left unattended forcing many to travel to Eastern Bicol Medical Center which is almost an hour away from Brgy. Patagan just to secure a consultation.

Medical practitioners from UPLIPP and CCNCI, assisted by Tabi, arrange the medicine that will be given to residents of Brgy. Patagan Salvacion and Brgy. Patagan Santa Elena

There is a severe lack of aid from the national government in easing the floods within Catanduanes. Kagawad Tayamora states that several houses within her barangay still bear marks of destruction from previous floods.

The community also suffers from the bureaucratic process that overlaps with the juridical powers of the Barangay Captain. She recounts how a fallen tree has caused her community immense flooding. A request was filed to remove the tree but other government agencies stated that this would be illegal as a permit, with a corresponding fee, was needed.

Given the dire state of their disaster-risk reduction preparations and health facilities, Kagawad Tayamora was grateful for the initiative and called upon government to provide more support for their initiatives.