Pangasinan: The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Pangasinan declared the province under a state of calamity Monday due to the effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay, and Neneng.
According to Philippines News Agency, the enhanced southwest monsoon and the tropical cyclones caused torrential rains and widespread flooding in low-lying areas of Pangasinan. This has resulted in significant impacts on communities, infrastructure, agriculture, private properties, and livelihoods as stated in Provincial Resolution No. 985-2026. The resolution received approval from the provincial board, led by Vice Gov. Mark Ronald Lambino, during a special session.
Reports from the Department of Social Welfare and Development indicate that more than 370,000 families, or approximately 1.2 million individuals, have been affected by these weather disturbances. In addition, eight local government units have declared a state of calamity, with the expectation that the number of affected families and the extent of damage will increase as assessments and response operations continue.
As of August 30, the estimated partial damage to infrastructure stood at PHP232.5 million. Agricultural damage was estimated at PHP649.2 million, while livestock damage amounted to PHP2.1 million. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council recommended this declaration. Gov. Ramon Guico III endorsed the recommendation to the provincial board to expedite response efforts and facilitate humanitarian relief and rehabilitation.
The declaration of the state of calamity triggers an automatic price freeze on basic necessities and prime commodities under Republic Act No. 7581, known as the 'Price Act,' to prevent overpricing, hoarding, and profiteering during this emergency period. This measure allows provincial, municipal, component city, and barangay governments, along with concerned national agencies, to accelerate relief, recovery, rehabilitation, and other humanitarian operations to safeguard the affected residents of Pangasinan.
As of 5 a.m. Monday, flooding had been reported in 213 barangays across 15 municipalities and two cities, according to the Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. Flash floods affected twelve barangays in three municipalities, while landslides were reported in 17 barangays in five municipalities. A total of 2,747 families, or 8,535 individuals, were residing in evacuation centers, while 497 families, or 1,434 individuals, had evacuated to stay with relatives or friends. Evacuation and monitoring operations continue in some affected areas.
