EMB-6 brings aid to COVID-19 affected areas, frontliners

By Nikki Ann C. Guillen

The Environmental Management Bureau Region 6 distributed medical support and essential goods to medical frontliners and residents affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID) crisis.

A total of 106.5 gallons of alcohol, 720 food packs, 1,500 pieces of washable face masks, 50 bottles of hand soap and 165 liters of distilled water were handed out to different border control points and medical centers in Iloilo, Capiz, Antique and Negros Occidental.

The donations will be used by medical practitioners, employees and staff of hospitals and those assigned in quarantine checkpoints.

The hospitals that received the assistance were Dr. Ricardo Ladrido Memorial District Hospital and Western Visayas Sanitarium in Iloilo province and the Western Visayas Medical Center, the only hospital designated in treating confirmed COVID-19 cases in Iloilo City; Teresita Jalandoni Provincial Hospital and Cadiz District Hospital in Negros Occidental.

EMB-6 Regional Director Ramar Niel V. Pascua initiated the relief operations to help protect the frontline workers.

Pascua said the gesture is meant to show support and gratitude to all healthcare workers risking their lives to save others.

Also, 57 sacks of rice and canned goods were donated to the local governments of the city and province of Iloilo on April 6, 2020. Those were apportioned to the residents who were not able to work due to the Enhanced Community Quarantine.

Provincial Environmental Management Units (PEMU) in Antique and Negros Occidental supported the bureau’s advocacy by providing snack packs, face masks and bottled water to frontliners at checkpoints in their respective municipalities.

The Environmental Monitoring Officers distributed basic necessities to Iloilo City Emergency Response (ICER) Unit 3 and 3^rd MIB, 3ID of the Philippine Army who are always in the forefront of rescue and maintaining peace and order.

The bureau is constantly working and looking for ways to extend a helping hand in this time of crisis.

It also encouraged the public to stay home, follow protocols and remain healthy.

Hence, the hashtags #WeShallRiseAgain and #emb6cares are utilized in all social media platforms of EMB-6 to inspire others to show compassion and unleash the power of unity against COVID-19. (EMB-6)