The entire Negros Occidental was declared under a state of calamity Thursday, Nov. 6., following the widespread devastation left by Typhoon “Tino”, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson announced.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday ordered the release of P760 million in direct aid to provinces and cities affected by the typhoon, of which P50 million was allocated for Negros Occidental and P10 million for Negros Oriental.
The Negros Occidental Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) headed by Lacson to place the entire Negros Occidental under a state of calamity with the extensive destruction to critical and lifeline infrastructure and facilities.
The typhoon damaged major roads and bridges, power stations, potable water supply systems and telecommunication facilities, the DRRMC pointed out.
There are further reports of widespread devastation to fishponds, crops, poultry, livestock and other agricultural products, it added.
The typhoon has destroyed 1,717 houses and damaged 9,489 in eight local government units in Negros Occidental.
“Tino” has also affected 240,256 Negrenses in all 31 local government units.
The declaration of the state calamity will enable the use of the provincial government’s calamity fund for rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts.
It also means a price freeze on basic necessities and prime commodities is in effect.
The declaration also enables the provincial government to use its Quick Response Fund .
OTHER LGUS
Other LGUs that also declared states of calamities are La Carlota City, Himamaylan City, La Castellana and Toboso in Negros Occidental, and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.*