PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte has declared a state of calamity in Regions I, II, III, and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) due to “widespread destruction, substantial damage and deaths” caused by Typhoon Ompong (Mangkhut).
Mr. Duterte and Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea signed Proclamation No. 593 last Tuesday, Sept. 25, declaring a state of calamity in the said regions.
The President’s proclamation said the declaration of a state of calamity was recommended by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
“The declaration of a state of calamity will hasten the rescue, recovery, relief and rehabilitation efforts of the government and the private sector, including any international humanitarian assistance,” the Proclamation read.
It added that the “declaration will provide basis for price control measures which can mitigate the economic impact to affected populations, and effectively provide the national government, as well as local government units (LGUs), ample latitude in the utilization of funds for recovery and rehabilitation efforts, on one hand, and delivery of basic needs and services, on the other.”
The Proclamation also directs all departments and other concerned government agencies “to implement and execute rescue, recovery, relief and rehabilitation work in accordance with pertinent operational plans and directives; provide or augment the basic services and facilities of affected LGUs; and undertake all necessary measures to ensure peace and order in the affected areas, as may be necessary.” — Arjay L. Balinbin

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