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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider OCD fast-tracking rehabilitation of 'Opong-devastated' Masbate

OCD fast-tracking rehabilitation of 'Opong-devastated' Masbate

Death toll hits 27

Published Sep 29, 2025 02:29 pm
Photo shows the extent of damage caused by Severe Tropical Storm "Opong" in Masbate during an aerial survey on Sept. 28, 2025. (Photo: Office of Civil Defense)
Photo shows the extent of damage caused by Severe Tropical Storm "Opong" in Masbate during an aerial survey on Sept. 28, 2025. (Photo: Office of Civil Defense)
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is expediting rehabilitation efforts in Masbate after Severe Tropical Storm “Opong” caused extensive damage, particularly in Masbate City.
A report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) showed that as of Monday, Sept. 29, the number of affected individuals due to Opong, Super Typhoon “Nando,” Tropical Depression “Marisol,” and the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) has risen to 3.4 million across 16 regions.
Of this, 190,000 individuals were displaced, more than half of which were being served inside 1,600 evacuation centers.
The death toll further increased to 27 while 16 persons remained missing and 33 were injured.
The damage to agriculture was estimated at P1.010 billion while infrastructure loss was pegged at P979 million.
OCD-Bicol Director Claudio Yucot said Masbate bore the brunt of the storm.
“We were not heavily affected by previous typhoons but Opong severely hit the province of Masbate, causing extensive damage particularly in Masbate City. The outlying areas were spared but Masbate City was heavily devastated,” he said.
Yucot said the Department of Energy (DOE) projected at least a month to restore power in the province. A special task force to assist the Masbate Electric Cooperative (MASECO), the local electric cooperative, was deployed to assist in the repair of transmission and distribution lines.
For telecommunications, Yucot confirmed that OCD requested Globe and Smart to activate at least one cell site in Masbate City for two hours daily to enable coordination of government services and the delivery of outside aid.
Shelter repair also remains a priority and Yucot said the OCD has deployed galvanized iron sheets, family packs, solar lamps, and portable water filters to affected families in evacuation centers.
The OCD-5 has also coordinated with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) for additional shelter kits and materials.
Yucot said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), led by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, delivered family food packs to evacuation centers.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) also installed Starlink connections at the Masbate airport and at Masbate City’s main hospital to ensure uninterrupted communication.
Yucot said relief supplies also continue to flow into Masbate from Legazpi City and Metro Manila to prevent any gap in food distribution.
“We have already coordinated with the IACC [Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell] to facilitate long-term rehabilitation plans for the province,” he said.

Related Tags

Opong Nando Marisol habagat OCD NDRRMC Masbate
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