By CESAR JOLITO III
Despite the widespread devastation brought by Typhoon “Tino” across Negros Occidental, the provincial government has yet to declare a state of calamity as assessments on the extent of damage continue.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said yesterday the declaration remains under evaluation, emphasizing that the provincial government will base its decision on recommendations from concerned agencies and legal consultations.
“For the state of calamity, I will have to confirm because if there is no need, we will not. But if there is a need, I’m sure the SP [Sangguniang Panlalawigan] will agree to a declaration,” Lacson told reporters.
Negros Occidental was placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4 as “Tino” battered the province, toppling power lines, uprooting trees, flooding low-lying communities, and crippling transportation.
It may be recalled that the entire province was last placed under a state of calamity in July due to Tropical Storm “Crising” and the outbreak of the red-striped soft scale insect that ravaged sugarcane plantations.
In the aftermath of “Tino,” Lacson assured that the provincial government is actively extending assistance to local government units (LGUs) that were directly and severely affected.
“We are also hoping the LGUs have a budget, though La Castellana has confirmed that their budget was already out. The province will continue to assist as much as we can,” the governor said.
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) has begun consolidating reports from affected LGUs to determine the number of evacuees and the volume of food and relief packs needed.
“Right now, there are certain areas that still have evacuees. The PSWDO is gathering data so we can equally distribute assistance to the LGUs that requested it,” Lacson added.
As of press time, provincial authorities are prioritizing immediate relief operations while awaiting a full damage assessment that will guide further action, including the possible declaration of a state of calamity./CJ, WDJ