Over P541-M worth of aid given to 10 El Niño-affected regions

MANILA – Ten El Niño-affected regions received about P541 million worth of aid, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Thursday.

In its latest update, the NDRRMC Regions 2 (Cagayan Valley), 4-B (Mimaropa), 5 (Bicol), 6 (Western Visayas), 7 (Central Visayas), 8 (Eastern Visayas), 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), 12 (Soccsksargen), Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the Cordillera Administrative Region received aid consisting of family food packs, rice, fuel, roofing sheets, generators and hygiene kits.

The El Niño phenomenon remains active and expected to persist until May 2024, according to the weather bureau.

At least 131 cities and municipalities across the country have declared a state of calamity due to the effects of the El Niño phenomenon, as most of the areas are experiencing drought.

Earlier, the El Niño Task Force, chaired by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., directed the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to ensure the fire safety of public hospitals and public health facilities.

He added that the BFP "must ensure a safe environment" especially for those seeking healthcare services and for medical-related professionals and workers. (PNA)