Three months since typhoons Rolly (international name Goni) and Ulysses (international name Vamco) ravaged Luzon, World Vision in the Philippines continues its emergency response in partnership with the local government and like-minded agencies to help families bounce back from the succeeding calamities. Fuerte, World Vision national director who recently visited and witnessed the situation of affected families in Albay.
Emergency essentials provided to affected families include food, hygiene kits, water containers, kitchen sets, emergency shelter kits, and other non-food items for protection like a blanket, mosquito nets, and plastic mats.
Recognizing the need of the most vulnerable especially mothers and babies, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund in the Philippines, and World Vision provided for the needs of pregnant and lactating mothers through cash assistance, maternity, and dignity kits. In Catanduanes, where the typhoon damaged a number of rural health units (RHU), an emergency maternity treatment facility (EMTF) which serves as a temporary birthing clinic, and tents for women-friendly spaces were set up.
Our basic emergency obstetric and newborn care (bEmONC) was badly affected [by the typhoon] so the EMTF and generator sets will help us continue our services for pregnant women. This also boosts the morale of the community, knowing that they are not left behind,” said Dr. Elva M. Joson, health officer of Virac, Catanduanes.
