Senator Dick Gordon is urging the Department of Health (DOH) to map out plans for the mass testing of evacuees who have to be temporarily sheltered at evacuation centers around the country during calamities to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Thousands of evacuees in some provinces of Luzon are now camped out at various centers after Typhoon Ulysses dumped heavy rains that triggered massive floods.
Gordon and Miss Universe Philippines Rabina Mateo recently led the Philippine Red Cross’ (PRC) relief distribution in flood-ravaged Sipay village in Ilagan City, Isabela.
“I have proposed a reduction of PRC testing fees for COVID-19 from P3,500 to P2,000.”
After visiting the Isabela molecular laboratory which will be operational soon, the veteran legislator proposed a reduction of PRC testing fees for COVID-19 from P3,500 to P2,000.
The seasoned lawmaker said the organization’s humanitarian caravan has provided food and non-food relief to flood victims such as hygiene kits, rice, canned goods, and drinking water. The PRC has earmarked 2,000 relief packs each for Isabela and Cagayan provinces.
Aside from pledging P5 million from the Good Samaritan Fund of the Red Cross for health assistance to villagers in Isabela, the senator said the organization would also donate a farm tractor to help in tilling lands.
He vowed more help for flood-prone areas as local government units like Cagayan and Isabela provinces have been lacking in disaster preparedness equipment as found out by the Commission on Audit.
Two years ago, the Red Cross was in Isabela to distribute galvanized iron sheets and crop seeds “but the farms were destroyed again.”
“This cycle of disaster must be stopped and the dredging of water must be serious.”
“This cycle of disaster must be stopped and the dredging of water must be serious,” the senator said.
“Cagayan River is the longest in the Philippines, the government must not neglect the people here,” he added.