The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Monday has transmitted a recommendation to Malacañang to place the entire Luzon under a state of calamity.
This development comes following consecutive typhoons that have been catastrophic for several areas in Luzon.
Under a state of calamity, calamity fund can be accessed by local governments, prices of basic commodities can be controlled, and interest-free loans can be availed, among others.
NDRRMC chairperson and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana also instructed state weather bureau PAGASA to review its existing historical data to improve warnings given to the public before disaster strikes.
Other issues discussed during the meeting were the provision of assistance to affected farmers and fisherfolk, road clearing, shelter requirements, and other recovery interventions.
The storms hit the country even as it continues to grapple with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
