Evacuees need hygiene, sleeping kits

MANILA, Philippines — Following a deluge of food donations received by evacuation centers around the province of Batangas, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is now asking the public for hygiene and sleeping kits, instead.

After an aerial inspection at the Fernando Airbase in Lipa, Batangas, DSWD Assistant Secretary Anton Hernandez said the government has enough funds, and donors should focus on providing hygiene kits and sleeping kits to evacuees.  

“Cooked food is not encouraged because of the spoilage. Milk formula is prohibited. If you want to help, the best option is to provide hygiene kits and sleeping kits. As to food, do not worry, there is sufficient food,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Hernandez said that among the gaps that the agency found during their initial assessment on the ground is the lack of sanitation facilities.  

“These are schools and they are not designed as evacuation centers,” he added.

Because of this, the national government has requested members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to construct more toilets.

“We have the Air Force and the Army to help in the construction. This is a health issue. We are encouraging the local government to make use of our engineering units to start constructing, all we need are some materials from the LGUs (local government units),” said South Luzon AFP Commander Maj. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. 

Last Sunday, the engineering contingent of 355th Aviation Engineer Wing arrived at the Fernando Airbase to participate in the disaster response and relief operations being undertaken by the government. 

The engineering team will construct toilets to address the sanitation and health issues of the evacuees.