Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie “Wes” Gatchalian officially declared on Thursday, July 24, a state of calamity in Valenzuela City due to widespread flooding and damage caused by days of heavy rains from the southwest monsoon (habagat), intensified by Tropical Storms Crising, Dante, and Emong.
Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian (Photo from Valenzuela City Government)
The Sangguniang Panlungsod approved the declaration through Resolution No. 3503, following recommendations from the city’s disaster council and affected barangays.
In his statement, Gatchalian emphasized the urgency of the decision.
“Hindi po natin pwedeng baliwalain ang epekto nitong bagyo sa ating mga manggagawa at marginalized sector, kaya naman idineklara na natin ang state of calamity dito sa ating lungsod (We cannot ignore the impact of this storm on our workers and the marginalized sector. That’s why we have declared a state of calamity here in our city),” he said.
“I am calling on our fellow citizens to stay alert and cooperate, as our city now more than ever needs our collective action and swift response,” Gatchalian added.
According to the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (VCDRRMO), over 9,000 residents were rescued and evacuated to temporary shelters.
Emergency teams continue to provide food, medical help, and other support to affected families.
The declaration allows the city to quickly use disaster funds, provide aid, and speed up recovery efforts.
It also improves coordination with national agencies and partners.
To help commuters, the city launched free ride services in flood-hit areas.
The local government remains on high alert, with more rain expected from storms Dante and Emong. Response teams are on standby as post-flood assessments and relief operations continue.
Gatchalian assured residents that the city is doing its best to recover and protect every Pamilyang Valenzuelano.