THE Department of Health (DOH) Ilocos Region has placed all government and private hospitals, rural health units, and other health facilities across region 1 under Code White Alert effective July 8, 2026, as part of heightened preparedness measures for the possible impact of “Super Typhoon Inday” this week.
The activation of the Code White Alert ensures that health facilities, emergency response teams, medical personnel, medicines, and essential logistics are on standby to provide immediate medical assistance and public health interventions should the typhoon affect communities in the region. The DOH Ilocos Center for Health Development (CHD) Operations Center will maintain round-the-clock monitoring of health-related incidents and continuously coordinate with provincial, city, municipal, and hospital emergency operations centers to ensure a unified, timely, and effective emergency health response.
Regional Director Helen D. Tobias urged the public to prioritize safety and strictly follow the advisories issued by local authorities as the weather disturbance approaches.
“Ang kahandaan ang unang depensa sa pagligtas ng buhay. Hinihikayat namin ang bawat residente na manatiling mapagmatyag, makinig lamang sa mga opisyal na abiso ng PAGASA at ng inyong lokal na pamahalaan, at huwag maliitin ang panganib na dala ng Super Typhoon Inday.”
“Kung kinakalilangang lumikas, gawin ito agad at huwag nang maghintay na lumala ang sitwasyon. Ihanda ang mga kinakailangang gamot, first-aid kit, malinis at ligtas na inuming tubig, at iwasang lumusong sa baha upang makaiwas sa pinsala, impeksyon, leptospirosis, diarrhea, at iba pang sakit na maaaring makuha mula sa maruming tubig.
“Handa ang Department of Health na tumugon sa anumang pangangailangang pangkalusugan, ngunit ang tunay na kaligtasan ng bawat pamilya ay nagsisimula sa maagap na paghahanda, disiplina, at sama-samang pagkilos,” she stated.
Director Tobias also reminded the public to continue observing health precautions before, during, and after the typhoon. Residents are advised to drink safe or boiled water, practice proper hand hygiene, consume properly prepared food, protect children, older persons, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses, and immediately seek medical attention for injuries, fever, diarrhea, or other signs of illness following flooding or prolonged exposure to contaminated water.
The DOH Ilocos Region assures the public that it remains fully prepared to deliver essential health services throughout the emergency and will continue working closely with local government units, hospitals, emergency responders, and partner agencies to safeguard the health and well-being of every Ilocano.
For health-related emergencies and urgent concerns, the public may contact the DOH Ilocos CHD Operations Center (OpCen) through the following hotlines:
SMART: 0995-865-3945
GLOBE: 0908-873-8451
The Department calls on everyone to remain calm, stay informed through official government advisories, and work together to protect lives and health as “Super Typhoon Inday” approaches.
About the Author
