Pampanga’s waterworld. Photo from Macabebe FB page
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — The municipality of Macabebe was placed under state of calamity due to flooding and damages caused by the enhanced monsoon rains and recent Typhoon Fabian.
The Sangguniang Bayan of Macabebe, in a regular session held Wednesday, unanimously passed Resolution No. 224 Series of 2019-2022, upon the motion of councilor Joel Simpauco.
In reports submitted by the municipal disaster risk reduction and management council to the sangguniang bayan, almost all barangays of Macabebe have been greatly affected by flooding due to continuous downpour of heavy rains brought about by habagat, as enhanced by Typhoon Fabian.
“This flooding affected the agri-fisheries sector in the town, causing huge losses amounting to P53.69 million. It also caused damages to various infrastructure projects wherein an estimated P433.1 million is needed for rehabilitation,” the resolution said.
It also stated that about 29,176 families or 116,704 individuals were affected with 102 families or 399 individuals in evacuation facilities.
“The flooding also nearly isolated the town as major thoroughfares in and out of the municipality remain impassable to all types of vehicles except for high and modified ones,” the resolution added.
Once state of calamity is declared, local government units could use their calamity fund to address their immediate needs.
Only after declaration of a state of calamity could the municipal government use its Quick Response Fund to augment the relief efforts of affected barangays. — Marie Joy S. Carbungco/PIA-3
