Benguet: The provincial board of Benguet has declared a state of calamity in the province after initial damage from continuous rains reached PHP1.06 billion, officials announced. Vice Gov. Mary Rose Fongwan-Kepes stated that the provincial board approved the declaration during its regular session on Monday, following the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).
According to Philippines News Agency, the PDRRMC, led by Gov. Melchor Diclas, based its recommendation on damage reports from Benguet's 13 municipalities and provincial offices. The PDRRMC reported PHP1.06 billion in damage as of August 18, due to the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Maymay and Luis. Roads and bridges bore the brunt of the damage, with losses amounting to PHP708.7 million. Livestock, poultry, fisheries, and farm structures suffered damage worth PHP318.6 million. Public infrastructure damage was estimated at PHP30 million, while private property losses reached PHP11.2 million.
The continuous rains have affected 6,362 farmers in the province, which is a significant agricultural hub, producing around 70 percent of the country's temperate vegetable requirements. The disaster resulted in five fatalities, with three individuals still missing. A total of 413,031 families, or 40,121 individuals, were affected, and 211 houses were damaged, including 18 that were completely destroyed.
The state of calamity declaration will take effect once the resolution is signed by Gov. Diclas. This will enable the release of 30 percent of the province's 2026 Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund quick response fund to support relief, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts. Diclas warned that damage estimates are expected to increase as the rains persist and urged residents to remain vigilant due to the risk of landslides on saturated mountain slopes.
The governor also called on farmers to work with the provincial government and the Department of Agriculture to market their produce, preventing unsold vegetables from rotting along roadsides.
