PAMPANGA, Philippines – Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda on Wednesday, July 23, convened a high-level emergency meeting with mayors, regional agency heads, and provincial officials to address the severe flooding that has inundated 223 barangays across 18 towns and cities in Pampanga.
The Pampanga Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported that at least 160,891 families or over 527,648 individuals have been affected by weeks of relentless monsoon rains and tropical cyclones. The flooding, according to initial assessments, was worsened by silted rivers, clogged canals, and breached dikes in parts of Guagua, Lubao, and Floridablanca.
In response, the Pampanga PDRRMC passed Resolution No. 08-S-2025, recommending the declaration of a State of Calamity due to the combined effects of Tropical Cyclones Bising, Crising, Dante, Emong, and the Southwest Monsoon. A special session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is scheduled for July 24 to formalize the declaration. Once approved, local government units (LGUs) will gain access to 30% of their Quick Response Fund for urgent relief and recovery efforts.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) estimated that over ₱1 billion will be needed to repair and upgrade the province’s flood control infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture and BFAR reported ₱365 million in damages to crops, fishponds, and rural livelihoods.
Governor Pineda committed to lobbying for national assistance and coordinating with agencies like DAR and BFAR to distribute seeds and fingerlings to affected farmers and fisherfolk.
On the health front, the Capitol is working with the Department of Health and Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital to establish satellite hospitals in flood-hit areas, including the BUCAS Center in Sto. Tomas and the Mexico Isolation Facility. These will provide immediate medical care in evacuation centers amid mobility challenges caused by floodwaters.
To further streamline emergency responses, Governor Pineda also announced the creation of a disaster emergency coordination group chat with LGU heads and key agencies for real-time medical alerts and coordination.
Residents are urged to stay alert and await official advisories.