Quezon city: Quezon City in Metro Manila, the municipality of Calumpit in Bulacan, and the entire province of Cavite are under state of calamity due to the widespread flooding brought about by days of heavy monsoon rains.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Quezon City Council on Tuesday approved resolution PR23CC-054 declaring a state of calamity in the city as recommended by the QC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (QCDRRMC). In an interview, QC Mayor Joy Belmonte clarified that the state of calamity was declared to expedite the release and use of emergency funds rather than as an indicator of large-scale destruction. She emphasized that the declaration enables the city to access the quick response fund, which constitutes 30 percent of their budget, facilitating immediate rehabilitation efforts.
Mayor Belmonte outlined that the city government has earmarked the quick response fund for three primary areas: clean-up operations to remove large volumes of debris left by the floodwaters, repair of damaged minor infrastructures, and the procurement of essential medicines for evacuees affected by overcrowding in evacuation centers. She assured that only a portion of the fund would be used to ensure availability for future calamities.
In Cavite, Governor Francisco Gabriel 'Abeng' Remulla announced the state of calamity through a Facebook post, attributing the severe flooding to the intensified southwest monsoon by Severe Tropical Storm 'Crising.' The declaration aims to expedite government agencies' actions in providing immediate assistance, rehabilitating affected areas, and utilizing disaster funds to ensure residents' safety and protection.
Meanwhile, in Calumpit, Bulacan, Mayor Lem Faustino declared a state of calamity due to the continuous rainfall, high tide, and water release from Ipo Dam. The declaration, through SB Resolution No. 85-2025, was approved by the Sangguniang Bayan upon recommendation by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC). Latest data from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) and the MDRRMC indicates that a total of 131,832 individuals, or 40,501 families from 29 barangays, have been affected, with 317 families or 1,188 individuals currently sheltered in nine evacuation centers. Additionally, around 19 hectares of crops have been damaged, amounting to approximately PHP3.8 million in losses.
