DAVAO CITY – President Benigno Aquino III on Friday issued Proclamation 1186, declaring a state of national calamity in the aftermath of Typhoon Nona (International name: Melor) that hit the Visayas and Bicol regions.
The proclamation said that “the declaration of the state of national calamity will hasten the rescue, recovery, relief and rehabilitation efforts of the government and the private sector.”
It will also effectively control the prices of basic goods and commodities for the affected areas and continue the provision of basic services to affected residents.
With the issuance of the proclamation, all government agencies have been directed to implement and execute rescue, recovery, relief and rehabilitation works in accordance with the government’s operational plans.
All agencies have also been mandated to coordinate efforts to provide basic services and facilities to affected localities.
“Law enforcement agencies, with support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, are hereby directed to undertake all necessary measures to ensure peace and order in affected areas, as may be necessary,” the President said in the proclamation.
The state of calamity will remain in force and in effect until lifted by the President.
Meanwhile, the government has provided P56.2 million in assistance to those affected by Typhoon Nona, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.
Coloma said the funds were distributed to the typhoon victims in Regions 2 (Cagayan Valley), 4-A (Calabarzon), 4-B (Mimaropa), 5 (Bicol) and 7 (Central Visayas).
He said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) “has prepared an estimated P674 million as standby funds, P111.5 million worth of food and non-food items and more than 204,000 food packs in its regional offices in Northern Mindanao, Davao, SOCCSKSARGEN and CARAGA as well as in its national operations center in Manila for those who need assistance.”
He said the government assistance included those who were affected by Typhoon Onyok. (davaotoday.com)
