President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved the declaration of a state of national calamity as the country reels from the massive destruction brought by Typhoon Tino (international name Kalmaegi) and braces for another incoming storm that could intensify into a super typhoon.
Speaking to reporters after a situation briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Marcos said he endorsed the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (NDRRMC) proposal, citing the widespread damage left by Tino and the looming threat of Typhoon Uwan.
“Because of the scope of… problem areas that have been hit by Tino and will be hit by (Typhoon) Uwan, there’s a proposal by the NDRRMC which I approve — that we will declare a national calamity,” Marcos said.
The declaration covers nearly 10 to 12 regions affected or expected to be hit by the two storms. Typhoon Tino’s torrential rains and strong winds have caused extensive flooding, landslides, and displacement across Visayas and Mindanao, submerging several towns and forcing thousands of families to flee their homes. Latest government data show at least 114 reported deaths linked to the storm.
Under the declaration, government agencies can expedite the release of calamity funds, impose price freezes on basic goods, and speed up relief, rehabilitation, and recovery operations in affected communities.
Meanwhile, weather authorities said a tropical depression outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) is moving toward Cagayan and may enter early next week as Typhoon Uwan, the 21st cyclone to enter the country this year. The system could strengthen into a super typhoon once it reaches Philippine territory.
Marcos said emergency and recovery operations remain in full swing in areas hardest hit by Tino, while preparations are underway in Northern Luzon ahead of Uwan’s arrival. Teams from the national government, military, and police have been deployed to restore power and communication lines and clear debris from major roads.
“Siyempre ‘di namin iiwanan ang Cebu hanggat lahat na in place na… but we will do as much as we can to anticipate,” the President said, emphasizing the need to balance ongoing recovery efforts with preventive measures for the incoming storm.
He also expressed concern over the rising casualty count and assured the public that validation of deaths and damages continues, alongside intensified relief operations and preemptive actions to protect communities from Typhoon Uwan’s expected impact.
