Marcos OKs 1-year state of calamity

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos declared a one-year state of national calamity following a recommendation from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) in the aftermath of Typhoon tino.

The declaration is contained in Proclamation 1077 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by authority of the President last Nov. 5.

A state of calamity declaration seeks to hasten the rescue, recovery, relief and rehabilitation operations in disaster-hit areas.

It also allows measures imposing a price ceiling on basic necessities and prime commodities; preventing hoarding profiteering and overpricing; and granting no-interest loans to the most affected population.

Further, the declaration gives national and local governments a wide latitude in using funds for rescue, recovery, relief and rehabilitation efforts.

The state of national calamity shall remain in force and effect unless earlier lifted by the President.

Citing information from the NDRRMC, the proclamation noted that Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) had brought torrential rains, widespread flooding and multiple landslide incidents over various regions, resulting in the loss of many lives and the tremendous destruction of properties.

Marcos directed all national government agencies and instrumentalities to continuously undertake urgent and critical disaster response to save lives, reduce health impacts, ensure public safety and meet the basic needs of affected communities.

They were also tasked to implement post-disaster recovery measures to restore normalcy, improve facilities, livelihood and living conditions in the typhoon-devastated areas; work with local governments to augment basic services and facilities; and facilitate private sector and international assistance in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations.