Typhoon-hit NE placed under state of calamity; solon calls for release of funds for rehab

ALIAGA, Nueva Ecija – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Monday afternoon passed a resolution placing the entire province under a state of calamity amid the devastation brought by supertyphoon “Santi” even as a neophyte lawmaker called on the national government to immediately release funds to speed up rehabilitation efforts.

          Gov. Aurelio Umali said the SP presided over by Vice Gov. Jose Gay Padiernos made the declaration to enable the provincial government to allocate calamity funds for the affected areas.

          Dr. Abraham Pascua, chairman of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, said the provincial government has initially earmarked P44 million sourced from its savings for the affected families. 

          At the House of Representatives, first district Rep. Estrellita Suansing appealed to the Aquino administration.

          In a privilege speech, Suansing said Santi caused untold devastation to communities in the province, considered the country’s rice granary. Quoting figures from the Central Luzon Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, an estimated P2.89 billion worth of properties and agriculture was devastated by Santi.

          “As I speak today, the municipalities of Talavera, Zaragoza, Sto. Domingo, Aliaga, Guimba, Licab and Quezon in our province care without electricity. The roads remain impassable due to fallen trees blocking the way,” she said.

          She added that the “saddest part of all” is that Santi left in its wake families who are “hungry, homeless and with a feeling of helplessness,” she said.      

          Suansing said if the national government will not extend aid to the province, it would be irreparably damaged.”

          Pascua said an initial damage assessment made by the PDRRMC placed the damage at P2.7 billion in the province alone. He said, however, that they are still validating reports of damage coming from the 27 towns and five cities.

          In Cabanatuan City, the province’s commercial and trade center - fallen trees and broken and toppled poles continue to litter the roads with local energy officials estimating power to be restored after a month.

          In Palayan City, Mayor Adrianne Cuevas said damage was initially placed at P120 million as strong winds destroyed crops and infrastructure, including a brand-new gymnasium whose entire roof was detached.

           Many places in the province looked like wastelands, with tree trunks lying on both sides of the highway.

          Even shopping malls and department stores in Cabanatuan have no electricity, including NE Crossing where a generator reportedly burst due to overloading. (Manny Galvez)