Apayao declares state of calamity, P1.26B estimated losses due to Super Typhoon Egay

Luna, Apayao - The Provincial Government of Apayao, through the recommendation of the Provicial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, declared a state of calamity this morning of July 29, 2023 given the extent of the partial assessment on the damages brought by Super Typhoon Egay.

The recommendation for the declaration came after data collected from various sectors (critical facilities, lifeline communication networks, social sector, agriculture, infrastructures, and others) aggregated to a total of P1,267,320,043.38 in damages with about 1,226 families affected and 6 yet to be confirmed casualties.

Members of the council later unanimously supported the recommendation, and the Governor declared the province under a state of calamity.

The declaration of a state of calamity allows the local government units in the area to utilize their calamity fund for the rehabilitation of damaged infrastructures, support to social sectors, and other needs of the residents affected.

Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr., heading the council, said complete reports once they have been submitted may later reveal higher numbers and more damages.

During the PDRRM Council meeting today, Bulut Jr. likewise advised officials to conscientiously maximize the utilization of their 5 percent calamity fund.

"Alam naman natin na kulang ang pondo natin para ma-rehabilitate lahat with that 1.2 billion pesos na damages at over a thousand affected families. So we ought to know our priorities para kadagita nga recovery plan tayo," said Bulut Jr.

Further, Bulut mentioned some lessons from the aftermath of the typhoon acknowledging the importance of communication, collaboration, and coordination as well as the use of uniform reporting formats.

Additionally, the governor ordered his officials to schedule a series of meetings and craft measures to improve the whole of the province's response to calamities and disasters.

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