LA TRINIDAD, Benguet (PIA) — The provincial government of Benguet is eyeing the declaration of a state of calamity in the province following the widespread effects of the recent tropical cyclones and the enhanced southwest monsoon or habagat.
Governor Melchor Diclas said they are now finalizing the necessary papers for the said declaration.
He explained that through the declaration, local government units can immediately access the Quick Response Fund or 30 percent of their local disaster fund.
“‘Pagka nag-declare kasi tayo ng state of calamity, makakatulong ang national government kasi may mga funding sila diyan para sa state of calamity and of course, magagamit natin ‘yung 30 percent fund natin na galing sa quick response fund kasi wala naman tayong nakalaang funding para du’n sa repair ng mga kalsada, rehabilitation ng mga kalsada,” he said.
The governor also confirmed the death of four individuals in the province. Two of the fatalities were reported during the height of tropical cyclone Maymay in Shilan, La Trinidad, Benguet on August 6.
Meanwhile, two relatives died after they were accidentally buried in soil and mud near their house in Paoay, Atok on August 9. Their remains were recovered on August 10. A minor who was also involved in the incident was rescued.
Diclas assured the continuous government response especially for the affected families.
“May galing sa prepositioned goods ng DSWD tapos nagbigay sila ng ayuda du’n sa mga namatay. Pinagtutulungan pa rin natin, goods din ng probinsiya para at least tulong-tulong. Tinututukan ng munisipyo, probinsiya, at DSWD,” Diclas said.
Meanwhile, Jessie Domeris, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer, reminded the public to follow preemptive evacuation especially if there is a heightened risk of landslide and flooding.
“Kung kinakailangang agarang mag-evacuate, kailangan pong mag-evacuate. ‘Wag pong hintayin na may mangyari pa bago magpa-rescue,” he said.
Domeris also reminded travelers to cancel their non-essential trips due to the uncertain road conditions following the continuous rains caused by habagat. **JDP/DEG-PIA CAR
