President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved the declaration of a state of national calamity following the widespread destruction brought by Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) and ahead of the expected landfall of Super Typhoon Uwan, which may hit Northern Luzon early next week.
During a situation briefing with Cabinet officials and disaster response agencies on Thursday at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, the President said the declaration was recommended by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) due to the extensive damage caused by Tino across several regions.
“Because of the scope of problem areas that have been hit by Tino and will be hit by Uwan, there’s a proposal by the NDRRMC which I approve — that we will declare a national calamity,” Marcos said.
According to government data, 114 people have died as a result of Typhoon Tino’s onslaught, which brought heavy rains, strong winds, floods, and landslides that displaced thousands and submerged several towns across Visayas and Mindanao.
The declaration aims to expedite relief, rehabilitation, and recovery efforts, allowing quicker access to calamity funds, enforcement of price controls on basic goods, and faster mobilization of national aid.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that a tropical depression outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) is expected to enter within the weekend and intensify into a super typhoon, to be named Uwan once inside PAR.
Marcos said government response operations are in full swing in affected Visayas provinces while preparations are underway for Uwan’s expected impact in Northern Luzon. Teams from the military, police, and national agencies are deployed to restore power and communication lines, deliver aid, and clear roadways blocked by debris.
“Siyempre, ‘di namin iiwanan ang Cebu hangga’t lahat ay in place na, pero we will do as much as we can to anticipate,” the President said, referring to the balance between ongoing relief operations and preemptive measures.
The President assured the public that the government remains fully mobilized to provide assistance and ensure readiness against the incoming storm.
