26/11/2025
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐, ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ฝ๐ผ๐ป๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ, ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐: ๐ช๐ฒ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ป ๐ฉ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ -๐ ๐ฆ๐๐บ๐บ๐ถ๐ 2025
To highlight the regionโs commitment to strengthening its disaster readiness and health emergency response, especially in light of the increasing impacts of climate change and recent large-scale displacements such as those brought by Typhoon Tino, Typhoon Uwan, and the recent onslaught of earthquakes all over the country, the DOH Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH WV CHD) Regional Health Emergency and Management Section (RHEMS) held the Western Visayas DRRM-H Summit 2025 was held on November 25, 2025, at Punta Villa Resort, Iloilo City.
The summit, led by Dr. Florence Audrey M. Pestaรฑo, Regional DRRM-H Manager and RHEMS Head, along with dedicated RHEMS personnel, aimed to reinforce the institutionalization of DRRM-H in the region, ensuring that essential health services remain resilient before, during, and after emergencies. Local government units, health program managers, DRRM coordinators, partner agencies, and regional stakeholders participated to align strategies, share operational insights, and strengthen multisectoral collaboration for crisis preparedness.
Among the notable people who showed support to the program were Secretary of Health Dr. Teodoro Herbosa and Dr. Ma. Sophia S. Pulmones, OIC-Director IV, DOH WV CHD. Meanwhile, key speakers who enriched the discussions throughout the program included Dr. May Ann SolivaโSta. Lucia, Chief, Local Health Support Division, DOH WV CHD, on mental health and psychosocial support; Dr. Arturo M. Pesigan, Senior Public Health Specialist, Former WHO Representation - Yemen, on community protection and operational readiness amid climate change; Dr. Maridith Afuang, Retired Medical Specialist III, DOH, on minimum initial service packages for sexual and reproductive health; and Ms. Ma. Azucena S. Arroyo, Subnational Consultant, on nutrition in emergencies.
The summit underscored the shared responsibility of institutions, communities, and leaders in building a resilient and health-secure Western Visayas.
Patuloy nating pagtibayin ang kahandaan, koordinasyon, at responsableng paghahanda upang masigurong ligtas, matatag, at malusog ang bawat pamayanan sa panahon ng krisis.
