State of calamity up in Oriental Mindoro, Romblon due to 'Opong' destruction
Oriental Mindoro declared a state of calamity on Monday, days after tropical cyclone “Opong” slammed into the province and caused widespread destruction.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice Gov. Antonio “Jojo” Perez Jr. approved Provincial Resolution No. 7938-2025 during its 13th regular session to fast-track rehabilitation and relief efforts and enable the provincial government to use the quick response fund.
The provincial government lifted a state of calamity due to another tropical cyclone and the southwest monsoon in July to pave the way for this declaration.
Damage to agriculture from Opong was placed at P1 billion.
Hundreds of houses were partially or totally destroyed.
The SP of Romblon also declared the entire province under a state of calamity on Monday due to Opong.
Gov. Trina Firmalo-Fabic, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council chair, said the declaration will enable the provincial and local governments to access their Quick Response Fund (QRF) for immediate relief, rehabilitation, and recovery efforts.
The provincial government said 11,377 individuals or 3,412 families fled Opong and evacuated to temporary shelters or stayed with relatives during the storm.
More than 14,000 houses were partially and 1,800 totally destroyed. Damage to agriculture was placed at P57.2 million.