Bulacan: The entire province of Bulacan has been formally placed under a state of calamity Thursday following recent widespread flooding and damages brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, and tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay. The move was taken after the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), headed by Gov. Daniel R. Fernando, assessed the extent of flood damage, damage to agriculture and infrastructure, and the number of residents affected.
According to Philippines News Agency, the declaration was approved through Resolution No. 708-T'2026 of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Bulacan during its special session via Zoom teleconference. The declaration aims to expedite the provincial government's response to the needs of affected residents, including the provision of relief assistance, food and non-food items, medical services, and the implementation of measures for rehabilitation and immediate recovery.
The heavy rains and flooding affected families, farmers, fisherfolk, businesses, and public infrastructure across the province. Based on the latest Situation Report No. 27 of the PDRRMC, released on Aug. 20 at 8 a.m., 11 of Bulacan's 24 cities and municipalities reported flooding, with water levels estimated at one to three feet. As of Aug. 19, a total of 6,980 families, or 23,334 individuals, had been affected, with 2,146 families, or 7,263 individuals, still in evacuation centers. No untoward incidents were reported as of the latest monitoring.
The DRRMO Operations Center remains on Blue Alert status to ensure continued monitoring and coordination with local disaster response offices across the province. Despite the continuing rains, the PDRRMO reported that all monitored water levels remain below alert and alarm thresholds. As of the morning of Aug. 20, Angat Dam was at 188.66 meters, Ipo Dam at 101.01 meters, and Bustos Dam at 16.10 meters. Authorities, however, continue to monitor the situation closely, particularly in low-lying areas that may be affected by high tide, which reached 2.99 feet at 2:41 a.m.
Fernando called on Bulakenyos to remain vigilant and continue following official weather and disaster advisories as the province remains on heightened monitoring due to the possibility of further rains and flooding. "Hindi man natin kayang pigilan ang pagdating ng bagyo at malalakas na ulan, kaya nating maging handa, magtulungan, at bumangon nang sama-sama. Ang bawat Bulakenyo ay mahalaga, at sa panahon ng pagsubok, hindi tayo magkakanya-kanya (We may not be able to stop the arrival of typhoons and heavy rains, but we can be prepared, help each other, and rise together. Every Bulakenyo is important, and in times of trial, we will not be selfish)," Fernando said.
The provincial government assured the people of Bulacan that monitoring and response operations will continue as the province works toward the immediate relief and eventual recovery of affected communities.
