LAGUNA UNDER STATE OF CALAMITY

THE province of Laguna was placed under a state of calamity due to the effects of typhoon “Crising” and the southwest moon or habagat, Laguna Gov. Sol Aragones announced.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Friday issued a resolution declaring a state of calamity following an evaluation conducted by the Laguna Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) in every town and city of the province.

According to Aragones, the PDRRMC registered about 30,000 evacuees throughout Laguna.

Under a state of calamity, the city or municipality can use its calamity funds to quickly respond to the needs of its constituents. 

The declaration will also allow the local government to impose a price freeze on basic commodities.

Aragones said the calamities severely affected the  province’ livestock and agriculture sector and caused the evacuation of thousands of Lagunenses to safer places during floodings.

The governor on Thursday personally led the distribution of free lunch to thousands of people of Laguna affected by floods.

She herself brought the hot meals to affected residents in Santa Rosa, Calamba, Mabitac, Majayjay, Lumban, Victoria and Santa Cruz.

Earlier, the governor directed the provincial government to coordinate with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the conduct of relief operations and provision of food packs.

“Hindi natin pwedeng antayin pang lumala ang sitwasyon bago tayo kumilos. Dapat ngayon pa lang, nakahanda na tayo,” Aragones said.

Each food pack contains rice, canned goods, instant noodles, coffee, and other basic needs.

Meanwhile, Mabitac Mayor Alberto Reyes and Vice Mayor Ronald Sana thanked Aragones and her action team for the quick response.

The local chief executives said family food packs were successfully sent on Friday to calamity-hit families in the municipality.