KIAMBA, Sarangani (February 4, 2023) – The Provincial Health Office (PHO) led the distribution of supplementary medicines and hygiene kits to the flood-affected areas in Kiamba and Maitum on February 2.

PHO was joined by some municipal health office staff of the affected towns in the distribution and assessment.

Based on the report of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in a meeting held on February 1, a total of 355 families were displaced in five barangays in Maitum including New La Union, Pangi, Old Poblacion, Zion, and Wali, while 158 families in eight barangays in Kiamba.

In Maitum, one death was reported.

According to Ronilyne Grace Moneva, Kiamba municipal nutrition action officer, items distributed include buntis kit, anti-tetanus vaccines, emergency medicines, vitamins, and food supplies.

Moneva said, “we ensured to supply meds, especially doon sa mga lactating mothers and kids five years old and below because they are the most vulnerable sa mga sakit lalo na at nasa evacuation center sila.”

Common sicknesses reported are coughs and colds.

The nutritionist also said that the concerned local government offices have secured temporary comfort rooms and supplied potable water to “avoid contamination.”

On behalf of the municipal government of Kiamba headed by Mayor George Falgui, Moneva expressed her thanks to Governor Rogelio D. Pacquiao and his Ronda Probinsya flagship program for the assistance in the distribution of the medicines, Congressman Steve Chiongbian Solon, Vice Governor Elmer De Peralta, and all the Sangguniang Panlalawigan members. (Joshua John S. Pantonial/SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)

Photos by Jake T. Narte