Isabela under state of calamity

The province of Isabela has been placed under a state of calamity due to massive damage caused by recent typhoons.

- Sheila Crisostomo

Gov. Rodito Albano declared a state of calamity yesterday after an assessment conducted by the Department of Agriculture showed Isabela incurred P2 billion in crop damage from the six successive typhoons that entered the country from October to early this month.

Albano said the declaration would be formalized today through the passage of a resolution by the provincial board.

He said up to P20 million would be allocated to assist typhoon-affected farmers, who received financial assistance when President Marcos visited the province on Friday.

Albano said he would meet with local officials to discuss the distribution of financial and relief assistance to residents displaced by floods.

He said the Department of Public Works and Highways has yet to assess the damage to infrastructure.

Psychosocial assistance

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will send psychosocial responders to help typhoon victims in Cagayan Valley and Bicol rebuild their lives.