As this developed, the local government can now make use of its quick response fund (QRF) for disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts.
In a statement, Municipal Information Officer Mart Sambalud said the Sangguniang Bayan of Santo Tomas passed a Resolution, placing the entire municipality under a state of calamity based on the recommendation from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Council.
Sambalud said under Republic Act No. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) shall recommend to the Sangguniang Bayan the declaration of a state of calamity and its lifting based on certain criteria.
He said the declaration of a state of calamity is crucial for the local government to enable them to use the calamity funds; impose a price freeze on basic commodities; and allow the entry of rehabilitation efforts.
Among the reported damages to livelihood and properties caused by incessant rains are agricultural crops and livestock with P15.9 million worth of damages and P1.65 million worth of damages in hectares.
The torrential rain also recorded a total of P3,065,820.00 worth of damage on infrastructures and roads.
The total estimated costs for rehabilitation and improvement for the damages has reached P25,946,705.
File Photo: Santo Tomas MIO