ILOILO – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) did not right away approve on Tuesday the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) to place this province under a state of calamity.
“There are so many questions kon nga-a ma-declare sang state of calamity. Ano ang rason? Indi pa gid kumbinsido ang tanan nga miembro sang SP. So, gani for now we lay it on the table until we get the facts,” said Vice Governor Christine Garin, the SP presiding officer.
In recommending a declaration of a state of calamity, the PDRRMC cited eight towns which reported that over 15 percent of their population was affected by super typhoon “Odette”. These were the following:
* Guimbal (15.97 percent)
* Igbaras (18.05 percent)
* New Lucena (15.75 percent)
* Zarraga (48.95 percent)
* Dumangas (42.03 percent)
* Banate (23.15 percent)
* Concepcion (26.60 percent)
* San Dionisio (20.98 percent)
The SP wanted the province to meet at least two criteria set by the National Disaster Risk Region and Management Council (NDRRMC) before declaring a state of calamity.
There are seven criterias. These are the following:
a) at least 15 percent of the forecasted affected population based on science-based projection are in need of emergency assistance;
b) at least 30 percent of the means of livelihood (agricultural, business, and industrial sectors_ are affected;
c.) damage to critical and lifeline infrastructure/facilities such as major roads and bridges, power stations, potable water supply systems, and telecommunication facilities;
d.) widespread destruction of fishponds, crops, poultry and livestock.
e. disruption of lifeline such as food chain, electricity, potable water system, other transport systems, communication system, access to health service, and other related systems that cannot be restored with one week, or in the case for highly-urbanized areas where restoration of the above lifelines cannot be done within twenty-four hours.
g. significant degradation to environment and natural resources based on the recommendations of government agencies.
As for losses in Iloilo’s agriculture, the initial estimate is P100 million./PN
