CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) – Laguna’s hospitals were placed on high alert after a series of powerful earthquakes that rocked different parts of the country left hundreds of residents injured and overwhelmed hospitals.
Governor Sol Aragones directed hospitals in Laguna to ensure their readiness in responding to medical needs in the event of an earthquake.
Former Health Undersecretary-now Laguna’s health consultant Dr. Eric Tayag said that heightened alert in hospitals is part of the earthquake preparedness plan and that hospitals will be on standby to accommodate and treat casualties should the earthquake occur.
“Sasabayan ito ng paghahanda sa mga ospital sa buong Laguna, kaya po kasama po namin dito si Doctor Odie Inoncillo. Dapat po maintindihan po ng lahat na bagaman naghahanda tayong lahat sa posibleng lindol ay hindi po ito dapat nating paghinayangan sapagkat ito ay makakatulong sa ating preparasyon,” he added.
Tayag reminded the public to remain vigilant even when no earthquake occurs.
He added: “Kung hindi naman po mangyayari ay isa itong oportunidad para tayo po ay palaging handa. Ang ibig sabihin po niyan, kung sakaling magkaroon tayo ng lindol, nakaagapay na kaagad ang mga ospital, ngayon pa lamang po ay binigyan na ng instruksyon ang mga ospital sa kanilang paghahanda lalo na sa inaasahan pong mga casusalties dahil na din po sa lindol, bagaman naghahanda tayo dyan, ipagdadasal po natin na hindi po mangyari yan.”
Aragones earlier announced the suspension of all face-to-face classes in Laguna from October 14-31 in all levels for both public and private schools as a readiness measure for a possible earthquake.
She also urged families to stock up on essential supplies that may be used in times of disaster even as the provincial government is looking at fund sources to provide emergency supplies.
“Habang hinihikayat din po natin ang mga magulang at mga estudyante na alamin natin ang paraan kung paanong kahit nasa bahay tayo ay magiging ligtas tayo. Ligtas ang may alam – mahalaga po iyan.” (CO/PIA-4A)