Occidental Mindoro State of Calamity Declared Amid Storm Damage
Occidental Mindoro has officially been placed under a state of calamity after the provincial board passed Resolution No. 210, local leaders said on Wednesday. Governor Eduardo Gadiano announced the declaration, which came in response to the severe destruction caused by the southwest monsoon, worsened by tropical storms Crising, Dante, and typhoon Emong.
This state of calamity declaration allows the provincial government to tap into the Quick Response Fund (QRF) to provide immediate relief and assistance, especially in the worst-hit areas. The municipalities of Mamburao, Sablayan, Santa Cruz, and Abra de Ilog were identified as the most severely affected as of Tuesday.
Damage Assessment and Impact on Communities
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) estimated total damages and losses at over P258 million. Agriculture suffered the largest impact, with losses estimated at P215.6 million. Meanwhile, livestock damage reached P4.48 million, infrastructure losses totaled P4.9 million, and the social sector faced damages of P4.85 million.
Economic losses were pegged at P2.26 million, health sector damages at P1.69 million, and the education sector at nearly P259,000, according to local officials. This widespread destruction has severely disrupted daily life and livelihoods in the affected areas.
Streamlined Aid and Support for Affected Residents
The resolution easing the state of calamity status also facilitates faster processing of calamity loan applications. Eligible members of government agencies such as the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG), and the Social Security System (SSS) can now access loans more quickly to help recover from losses.
Local leaders emphasized that this measure aims to speed up assistance and provide financial relief to those severely impacted by the storms.
For more news and updates on Occidental Mindoro state of calamity, visit Filipinokami.com.
