TARLAC CITY (PIA) — The Provincial Government of Tarlac, in coordination with local government units (LGUs) and national government agencies (NGAs), is intensifying response and recovery efforts for communities affected by the enhanced Southwest Monsoon or Habagat following the declaration of a State of Calamity.
Governor Christian Yap said the declaration allows them to take immediate action and coordinate with LGUs, NGAs, and private sector partners in addressing the extensive impact of the rains on communities across the province.
“Hindi po humihinto ang inyong pamahalaang panlalawigan sampu ng lahat ng mga munisipyo at siyudad sa buong Tarlac kasama ang mga national government agencies at private sector sa pagtugon sa lahat ng pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan (Your provincial government, together with all municipalities and cities across Tarlac, national government agencies, and private sector partners, continues to respond to the needs of our fellow Tarlaqueños),” he said.
Among the measures being undertaken is the provision of free transportation services by the provincial government, in coordination with the City Government of Tarlac, to residents affected by the damage to the Aquino and Agana bridges caused by strong water currents brought by the Habagat.
Following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Tarlac City Government is also working to facilitate the opening of a Bailey Bridge at the damaged Agana Bridge, with the target of providing an alternative passage for residents and motorists while repairs to the damaged bridges are being undertaken.
Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap highlighted that the immediate construction of the Bailey Bridge is important to reconnect the western part of the city, other municipalities, and the province of Pangasinan, with the Poblacion area and facilitate mobility.
“Right now, ang importante, what was crucial is to link our western side to the Poblacion and the Bailey bridge is the fastest. It could be passable already in one week for pedestrian and next would be for light vehicles. Malaking bagay ‘yun to connect yung movement po ng tao natin (That would be a big help in connecting the movement of our people),” she said.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 3, through the Social Welfare and Development Office-Tarlac, extended assistance to the family of Nathaniel Taborlupa Dizon, the survivor of the Agana Bridge incident.
After an assessment conducted in coordination with the Tarlac City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the family received Psychological First Aid, P10,000 Cash Relief Assistance (CRA), and P10,000 in medical assistance.
DSWD also continues to coordinate with concerned agencies for search and retrieval operations and the provision of psychosocial support to families affected by the incident.
Distributions of relief and financial assistance to other families affected by the calamity is also being facilitated by the agency.
On September 2, DSWD provided Family Food Packs and P10,000 CRA to 549 families staying at the Sitio Bacao Evacuation Center in Barangay Salomague, Paniqui.
Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has imposed a price freeze on basic necessities in the province.
DTI Provincial Director Florencia Balilo explained that the price freeze was automatically implemented upon the declaration of the State of Calamity to protect consumers from unreasonable price increases.
“Sa mga pagkakataon na nagkakaroon ng deklarasyon ng State of Calamity, agaran ang pagpapatupad ng price freeze sa mga pangunahing bilihin o basic necessities at regular itong minomonitor upang maprotektahan natin ang mga mamimili at matiyak na mananatiling makatarungan ang presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin (Whenever a State of Calamity is declared, a price freeze on basic necessities is immediately implemented and regularly monitored to protect consumers and ensure that the prices of basic necessities remain fair),” Balilo said.
Under Section 6 of Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act of the Philippines, price control on basic necessities is automatically imposed upon the declaration of a state of calamity.
Among the items covered by the price freeze are canned sardines, milk, coffee, instant noodles, bread, laundry soap, bottled water, salt, and candles.
Unless sooner lifted by the President, the price freeze remains in effect for the duration of the condition that caused the calamity, but for no more than 60 days.
“Bilang bahagi ng mandato ng DTI na protektahan ang mga mamimili, patuloy nating binabantayan ang presyo ng mga basic necessities and prime commodities, lalo na sa panahon ng kalamidad (As part of DTI’s mandate to protect consumers, we continue to monitor the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities, especially during times of calamity),” she said.
As recovery and rehabilitation efforts continue, the Provincial Government of Tarlac called on residents to remain vigilant, follow the advisories of authorities, and work together to ensure the safety and well-being of communities affected by the calamity. (CLJD/AJRR, PIA Region 3-Tarlac)
