The towns of Barbaza, Sebaste, and Culasi in the province of Antique have declared a state of calamity after torrential rains from Tropical Depression Crising, intensified by the southwest monsoon, triggered massive flooding and landslides.
In an interview with DYRP Life Radio Iloilo, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Broderick Train said the three towns were among the worst-hit by the storm-enhanced habagat, which caused flash floods, soil erosion, and extensive structural damage.
As of July 24, 53 families remain in evacuation centers, their homes either destroyed or deemed unsafe.
Meanwhile, the Antique Provincial Government is preparing to place the entire province under a state of calamity, having met the threshold set by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)—which requires at least two municipalities to make individual declarations.
“I have submitted a resolution to declare a province-wide state of calamity,” Train said. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan will convene on Friday, July 25, to deliberate and act on the proposal.
If approved, the declaration will allow the release of P35 million from the Quick Response Fund (QRF) to support relief operations, aid displaced families, and repair damaged infrastructure.
Train assured the public that the PDRRMO, together with local government units and national agencies, is expediting relief and preparing for possible worsening weather conditions.
“We are on full alert,” he said. “Our teams are on the ground to ensure the safety and welfare of our people.”IMT
