Siquijor declared under state of calamity

SIQUIJOR, SIQUIJOR , Philippines  — The provincial government declared yesterday the island-province of Siquijor under state of calamity after it was ravaged by typhoon Pablo with losses of life and properties last Wednesday, according to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).

Arturo Pacatang, PDRRMC executive director, told The Freeman yesterday that due to severe damage to houses and crops, as reported by various municipalities, the Provincial Board approved a resolution declaring Siquijor under state of calamity.

“It is our response to the effect of Pablo to Siquijor business, infrastructure, agriculture and the people in general,” Pacatang said, although he could not present yet definite figures on the extent of damages which, as of presstime, could be estimated to hit millions of pesos.

Of the six towns in the province, only Siquijor and Larena had restored their electricity yesterday, leaving Lazi, San Juan, Enrique Villanueva and Maria still under blackout. Electric posts of the Siquijor Electric Cooperative fell on the highways, which became impassable over the past two days.

The National Power Corporation’s power barge 113, stationed at Lazi pier, was half-submerged, spilling to the sea about 10 percent of its 100,000-liter oil load. Power authorities already called environmentalists for assistance in averting possible environmental damage in the area.

According to Arthur Jabines, control operator of the power barge 116, stationed at Larena pier, the barge was partially damaged. Due to the strong impact, the side portion and the edge of the pier was also damaged.

The town of Maria, where Pablo made its landfall, has been declared under state of calamity, said Mayor Rebecca Padayhag.

MV Euro 3 of Villa Shipping Lines, with a crew of 16, was pushed off the coast in Maria town. Crewman Richard Larot, 34, was reported to be still missing by the rescue team in Siquijor. No other agency conducted rescue operations, said PDRRMC.

Based on damage assessment conducted by the Department of Agriculture in Siquijor, commodities such as banana and coconut were severely affected. Rice production was not affected though but corn has incurred an initial damage of P50,000 in the town of Enrique Villanueva.

Department of Education, Division of Siquijor OIC, Arlene Buhian said classes in all public elementary and secondary schools in the province were suspended since Monday and will resume today (Friday) for those not totally affected.

Buhian said she already texted principals and school heads that classes for those school affected will resume after major repairs are done. Classes in private and state colleges in the province were also cancelled but resumed yesterday.  (FREEMAN)