GeneSoc Alumna recognized as one of "Yolanda" First Responders

Written by Ryan Pascual (Regulon)

GeneSoc alumna Dr. Sylvia Briones-de Guzman (F1)
receiving the award from Health Secretary Ona
(Photo: Department of Health)

PASAY CITY - The Department of Health (DOH) through its Health Emergency Management Office recognized the efforts exerted by local government units, local health teams and volunteers who have assisted in the relief and recovery of the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). 

Yolanda, the strongest typhoon in recent Philippine history, made landfall on November 2013. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), a total of 6,201 casualties, 27,665 injured and 1,785 missing persons were reported. It is estimated that about 11 million people have been affected and left homeless after the typhoon. 

In a ceremony dubbed as the "Awarding of the Unsung Heroes", one of the recognized first responders was GeneSoc alumna Dr. Sylvia Briones-de Guzman (F1). Dr. Sylvia de Guzman is the City Health Officer (CHO) of Calbayog, Samar. She received the award together with Mayor Ronald Aquino and  former City Chief of Police PSupt. Elmer Cinco. The three represented the City Government of Calbayog which was recognized for being the first to bring complete response and relief to Tacloban.

According to the report by the Leyte-Samar Daily Express, Dr. de Guzman's team provided emergency and basic medical and surgical services when they manned Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC). After Tacloban, the team proceeded to other Yolanda-hit areas like Marabut, Basey, Albuera, Capoocan and Tanauan. 

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(1) Department of Health Press Release. 25 July 2014

(2) Catalan, A.(18 July 2014) DOH to recognize Calbayognons' heroism as "Yolanda" first responders. Leyte-Samar Daily Express
(3) Photo: WarayBayaay Facebook Page