BULACAN, Philippines – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Bulacan has formally endorsed the declaration of a state of calamity in the towns of Calumpit, Guiguinto, Balagtas, Bocaue, and the city of Meycauayan.
The recommendation, which was ratified by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, comes in the wake of extensive damage caused by successive weather disturbances—Tropical Storm Crising, the southwest monsoon or Habagat, and the current onslaught of Tropical Storm Dante.
According to Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Manuel Lukban Jr., the combined damages have reached ₱56 million in agriculture and ₱436,000 in the livestock sector. A total of 16,634 families have been evacuated to 56 evacuation centers across the province.
One of the most significant infrastructure damages reported is a collapsed bridge connecting the towns of Doña Remedios Trinidad and San Miguel.
Despite the mounting losses, Governor Daniel R. Fernando said the provincial government will not yet declare a province-wide state of calamity, citing the ability of affected local governments to manage the situation effectively.
Relief and response efforts are ongoing as the province continues to face extreme weather conditions.