State of calamity recommended for Occidental Mindoro

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has recommended placing the entire province of Occidental Mindoro under a state of calamity following massive damage from recent storms that intensified the southwest monsoon.

So far, the province has recorded over P2 billion in estimated damage to infrastructure, livelihoods, projects, power supply, and other sectors from Aug. 6 to 19, according to the assessment presented at the meeting.

The PDRRMC recommended the province-wide state of calamity in a virtual meeting on Wednesday, chaired by Gov. Eduardo B. Gadiano, where consolidated reports from local governments and national government agencies on the impact of the recent disasters were discussed.

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The agency said the extent of the damage and its impact on communities warranted the declaration to facilitate faster response, rehabilitation, and recovery efforts across the province.

The recommendation will be submitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for consideration during its regular session on Sept. 1.

If approved, the declaration would allow the provincial government to mobilize additional mechanisms and resources to address the needs of affected communities, including the P30,166,788.90 30% Quick Response Fund.

Board Members Alex Del Valle and Allan V. Credo and Magsaysay Mayor Cesar M. Tria Jr., along with representatives of various government agencies and offices, attended the meeting.

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Representatives from the Philippine Army’s 203rd Infantry Brigade, 68th Infantry Battalion and 76th Infantry Battalion also presented reports and assessments on the extent of the disasters’ impact on communities.

The provincial government said it would continue its response efforts to address the immediate needs of affected residents and help communities recover from the disasters./coa