Take better care of elderly, PWDs amid Super El Niño

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City councilor Alfred Vargas on Tuesday called for special care for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) amid the effects of the Super El Niño, particularly the drought expected to hit Metro Manila by January.

Vargas issued the call as he urged Quezon City residents and barangay officials to prepare their households early for the effects of El Niño.

According to Vargas, families and caregivers should ensure that seniors and PWDs are in well-ventilated spaces and hydrated at all times.

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READ: No need yet to declare state of calamity over El Niño – Palace

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He also told them to consult doctors on how heat may affect maintenance medicines.

“Tandaan po nating alagaan at bantayan nang mas mabuti ang ating mga lolo, lola, at PWD. Lalo na po ang mga bedridden o hirap magsabi ng nararamdaman na mas kailangan ang tulong natin sa mga panahong ito,” Vargas said in a statement.

(Let’s remember to take better care of and watch over our grandparents, and PWDs, especially those who are bedridden or have difficulty expressing their feelings need our help more during these times.)

He then assured residents that the Quezon City government is ready to provide support when needed, with the QC Heat Action Team under Mayor Joy Belmonte designating 32 public libraries as cooling centers, and integrated Hotline 122 into a round-the-clock emergency response network.

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“Nasa QC na ang mga sistema, manpower, at ang diwa ng bayanihan. Ang kailangan natin ngayon ay maging maagap, magtulungan, at alagaan ang bawat miyembro ng ating pamilya. Kakayanin natin ito basta sama-sama,” Vargas said.

(QC has the systems, manpower, and the spirit of communal unity. What we need now is to be proactive, work together, and take care of each member of our family. We can do it together.)

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He then advised residents of all ages to drink water often, wear light clothing, use an umbrella or a hat outdoors, and avoid heavy physical activity during peak heat hours.

Families should also store enough drinking water in case of service interruptions, avoid panic buying, and prevent overloading outlets as electricity demand is expected to rise.

Projections from the United Nations as well as the state weather bureau show that drought will expand across Luzon, including Metro Manila in the coming months.

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Such weather conditions could significantly affect water, food, and electricity supply. /cb