Iloilo Representative Janette Garin has urged national health authorities and local government units to strengthen hospital preparedness and expand emergency medical stockpiles as weather forecasters warn of an intensifying El Niño phenomenon.
Garin, a former health secretary, emphasized that prolonged dry spells and extreme heat waves traditionally trigger significant spikes in heat-related illnesses, vector-borne diseases, and waterborne infections among vulnerable populations. She warned that rural health units could quickly become overwhelmed if preventive measures and emergency resources are not positioned well in advance.
Legislative advocates stressed that frontline medical centers must establish clear operational protocols to manage anticipated patient surges. Key priorities include securing dedicated water reserves for healthcare facilities, maintaining uninterrupted emergency power, and ensuring adequate supplies of oral rehydration salts, intravenous fluids, and essential maintenance medications.
“Tama na maaga tayong maghanda. Hindi kailangang matakot, pero huwag tayong magpabaya,” Garin said. “Sa El Niño, hindi lang pagkain at tubig ang dapat nating paghandaan kundi pati ang kalusugan.”
She also said public health awareness campaigns must specifically target high-risk groups, including outdoor laborers, elderly citizens, and young children, to reduce heat-induced medical emergencies.
“Senyales na ‘yan na kailangan nang magpahinga at magpalamig. Kung hindi bumuti ang pakiramdam, magpatingin na agad,” she added.
The lawmaker called for close inter-agency coordination between the Department of Health and local government units to continuously monitor health indicators. Oversight teams expect regional offices to submit comprehensive readiness reports to safeguard agricultural communities throughout the anticipated drought.