The Sarangani provincial government has declared a state of calamity following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that left casualties, displaced families and damaged key infrastructure across the province.
The declaration, issued Wednesday, allows the provincial government and local government units to tap emergency funds, speed up relief and rehabilitation efforts, and provide immediate assistance to affected communities.
“The declaration enables the provincial government and local government units to mobilize emergency funds, expedite relief and rehabilitation efforts, and provide immediate assistance to affected communities while ensuring a faster and more coordinated disaster response,” the provincial government said in a statement.
Authorities said the earthquake caused deaths and injuries, displaced families, and damaged both public and private structures.
Roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, government facilities and utility networks sustained varying degrees of damage, while continuing aftershocks have raised safety concerns among residents.
Gov. Rogelio Pacquiao said the declaration was recommended by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to ensure faster response operations in affected areas.
He said placing the province under a state of calamity was necessary to accelerate the delivery of aid and other interventions.
“Under the State of Calamity, we will be able to further expand and accelerate the implementation of interventions in affected areas,” Pacquiao said.