The local governments of Marikina City and the municipality of Real in Quezon province declared the areas under state of calamity on Friday due to devastation caused by Typhoon Ulysses.
“I have declared a state of calamity for the city of Marikina, totoo iyon, para magkaroon ng pagkakataon ang ating pamahalaan na epektibong makatulong sa pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan dito sa lungsod,” Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro announced.
[I have declared a state of calamity for the city of Marikina, that is true, so that the government will have the chance to effectively help residents of the city.]
The declaration of state of calamity will enable the local officials to fast-track relief and rehabilitation efforts to reach those who are severely impacted.
Aside from rescue operations, the local government has now shifted to rehabilitation efforts to bring back normalcy to typhoon-hit communities.
“Yung rehabilitation on two levels eh, physical restoration of the communities pero more importantly, ito nga yung gusto kong bigyan ng diin, yung economic rehabilitation, “ Teodoro said.
[Rehabilitation must be done on two levels, physical restoration of communities, but more importantly, I want to emphasize economic rehabilitation.]
Marikina City was one of the areas worst hit by typhoon Ulysses, proven by the 47 evacuation centers filled with residents. Despite the jam-packed centers, many families are still trapped in their homes after the floodwaters quickly rose in several areas.
The Municipality of Real issued Resolution No. 227, series of 2020, which was signed by Vice Mayor Joel Amando Diestro declaring a state of calamity due to the adverse impact of typhoons Ulysses and Rolly to livelihood, agriculture, and shelter of its residents.
This move will give access to the 30% Quick Response Fund of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management budget. It will also allow other government agencies to provide assistance to the town to supplement rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts.
