Kristine rescue teams undergo stress debriefing

MANILA, Philippines — Members of the Philippine Coast Guard-District Southern Tagalog (PCG-DST) who joined the search and rescue operations for victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in Bicol have undergone stress debriefing.

“A debriefing session is conducted after a crisis or deployment in times of disasters to analyze and discuss the experiences, lessons and ways to improve future operations,” the PCG-DST said.

It said the activity intends to teach search and rescue personnel how to handle work-related stress.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA) blamed the typhoons and African swine fever for the decline in farm, fishery and swine production.

The DA said it has released P24.4 milion to indemnify farmers displaced by Kristine in Bicol.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said the combined effects of El Niño and La Niña pulled down palay production.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it distributed P50 million in aid to farmers and fisherfolk in typhoon-affected areas in Camarines Sur.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the beneficiaries are residents of  15 municipalities battered by Kristine.

Bicol, Calabarzon and other regions in Luzon were listed in the 2024 National Adaptation Plan (NAP) among the areas severely affected by flooding due to climate change.

Based on the NAP, Luzon regions are projected to experience the highest flood level caused by rainfall and overall population impact. - Bella Cariaso