NAGA CITY — The aftermath of Tropical Storm Kristine continues to affect various sectors of Naga City, leaving widespread damage in its wake. In response, Angat Buhay, the organization led by former Vice President Leni Robredo, has partnered with the Naga City Nutrition and Population Office to assess the destruction of barangay health centers and mobilize aid.

Following a comprehensive evaluation, a call for donations was made to replenish medical supplies in the centers, in compliance with the Department of Health’s Manual of Standards. Thanks to the support of partners, including Metrobank Foundation, Inc., Intellicare, and others, Angat Buhay was able to provide a full set of essential medical equipment to 15 barangay health centers that were severely damaged, and a limited selection to 12 other centers that sustained partial damage.

“The turnover of medical supplies is part of Angat Buhay’s rehabilitation efforts for barangays affected by Tropical Storm Kristine,” Robredo said.

The turnover involved around P3.5 million worth of medical supplies, including oxygen tanks, autoclaves, weighing scales, stretchers, examining tables, and salter scales.

“Nais nating mapunuan ang kanilang supply para matiyak na matutugunan ang pangangailangan ng kanilang mga residente na naapektuhan ng baha,” Robredo added.

Philip “Boyet” Dy, Executive Vice President of Metrobank Foundation Inc., expressed his organization’s support: “Metrobank Foundation is honored to have collaborated with Angat Buhay in its rehabilitation efforts for Naga City communities affected by Typhoon Kristine. Providing essential medical equipment to barangay health centers ensures that residents have access to the healthcare they need.”

Other partners in this initiative included Avega, Aventus Medical, Inc., Fullerton Health, First Metro Investment Corp, First Metro Securities, Device Technologies Medical, Inc., ACTS Catholic Prayer Community Agapetos Foundation, Puregold Price Club, Inc., Elinnov Technologies, Inc., Jacss Dynamic Business Outsourcing Solutions & Services, Inc., and Ms. Marose Dequito.

Robredo emphasized that these supplies and equipment would enhance the quality of health services, helping strengthen access to universal healthcare at the barangay level.

Kapitan Raymund Arevalo of Barangay Triangulo, one of the hardest-hit areas, said, “Noong Bagyong Kristine, nawala sa mapa ang Barangay Triangulo. Kaya yung Barangay Health Center namin, naubos. Itong mga ibibigay sa amin na mga medical equipment, malaking tulong ito sa aming barangay. Sisiguraduhin namin na aalagaan namin ito.”

After her term as vice president, Robredo founded Angat Buhay, continuing her work by rallying partners and volunteers to assist vulnerable communities across the country.

Criselda Monte, the overall President of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) in Naga City, expressed deep gratitude: “Lubos kaming nagpapasalamat sa mga tumulong lalo na kay VP Leni at sa Metrobank. Talaga pong nasira ang mga kagamitan namin sa barangay health center. Nasira po lahat ng health records dahil sa bagyong Kristine. Kaya po napakalaking tulong nito.”

Angat Buhay remains committed to supporting Naga City’s ongoing recovery efforts. In November, the organization also conducted a Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) training to enhance the preparedness of local community members.

“Tuloy-tuloy pa rin po ang pagtulong natin sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo dito sa Naga at sa ibang mga komunidad sa ating bansa. We have engaged in rehabilitation, resilience, risk reduction, and mitigation efforts so families can get back on their feet at the soonest possible time and communities will be more prepared in the future,” said Raffy Magno, Angat Buhay Executive Director.

📷 Atty. Leni Robredo FB