BALANGA CITY – The provincial government of Bataan has declared a state of calamity to expedite the release of government aid for residents severely affected by the southwest monsoon (Habagat), intensified by Tropical Cyclones Crising, Dante, and Emong.
Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III, on Wednesday, July 23, signed Resolution No. 330, Series of 2025, after its unanimous approval by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, based on the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
All 12 local government units in the province, composed of one city and 11 municipalities, reported widespread flooding and damage, affecting a total of 172,634 families or 662,038 individuals as of July 23.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued multiple rainfall warnings, including a Red Rainfall Warning on July 21, after heavy rains intensified by Severe Tropical Storm Crising caused flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
According to the Department of Science and Technology-PAGASA Abucay Station, the province recorded 832.9 mm of accumulated rainfall from July 17 to 23, resulting in extensive flooding, landslides, displacement of residents, and damage to infrastructure and livelihoods.
Initial reports from the Provincial Agriculture Office placed agricultural damage at P48.2 million, while the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian reported livestock losses amounting to P2.47 million.
Due to the inclement weather, work in government offices was suspended from July 21 to 23.
Governor Garcia assured the public of the provincial government’s commitment to delivering timely aid and services to affected families.
He emphasized the need to protect lives, restore disrupted services, and accelerate recovery efforts across the province. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Bataan)