President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared a national calamity state for one year, a bold move to enhance disaster response and recovery efforts following the devastating impact of Typhoon Tino. This declaration, proclaimed on November 5 and made public on Saturday, aims to streamline humanitarian aid and support from both the government and private sector in affected areas.
The proclamation, numbered 1077, outlines a comprehensive strategy to address the immediate needs of those impacted by the typhoon. It mandates the implementation of essential remedial measures, such as setting price ceilings on basic necessities and essential commodities, providing interest-free loans to the most vulnerable sectors, and preventing the overpricing, profiteering, or hoarding of essential goods, medicines, and petroleum products.
Furthermore, the proclamation empowers national and local governments to allocate funds for rescue, relief, recovery, and rehabilitation programs, including the provision of essential services to displaced individuals and communities. It emphasizes the need for all concerned government agencies to collaborate with affected local government units, ensuring the delivery of basic services and facilities, and facilitating private sector and international assistance as required.
Law enforcement agencies, supported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, are tasked with maintaining peace and order in the affected areas. The one-year national calamity state will remain in effect until the President decides to lift it, according to Proclamation 1077.
Typhoon Tino has caused widespread destruction, including heavy flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage, affecting large areas of the Visayas, parts of Mindanao, and Southern Luzon. The death toll has tragically risen to 188, as reported by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
