President Marcos has declared a state of national calamity following the widespread destruction caused by Typhoon Tino, which killed at least 188 people as it devastated several regions across the country this week.

In Proclamation No. 1077, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Thursday, Nov. 6, the President said the declaration will remain in effect for one year unless lifted earlier, allowing the government to fast-track emergency relief, rehabilitation, and recovery operations.

The proclamation was issued upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), which cited “torrential rains, widespread flooding, and multiple landslides” that resulted in loss of lives, massive damage to agriculture and infrastructure, and the displacement of thousands of families.

Marcos ordered all national agencies and local government units to “continuously undertake urgent and critical disaster response to save lives, reduce health impacts, ensure public safety, and meet the basic subsistence needs of the people affected.”

Concerned offices must likewise implement post-disaster recovery measures to restore normalcy and improve facilities, livelihood, and living conditions of disaster-stricken communities, in accordance with pertinent operational plans and directives.

The declaration also authorizes the imposition of remedial measures under the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010. These include enforcing price ceilings on basic commodities, granting no-interest loans to affected sectors, and facilitating the release of funds for relief and rehabilitation.

“All departments and other concerned government agencies are hereby directed to coordinate with, and provide or augment the basic services and facilities of affected local government units,” the President said in the proclamation.

Marcos also directed law enforcement agencies, with support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to ensure peace and order in disaster-stricken areas and assist in maintaining public safety during recovery operations.

Under the proclamation, national and local governments may utilize disaster funds and mobilize resources for rescue, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts, as well as to facilitate international humanitarian assistance where needed.

According to the NDRRMC, at least 10 regions were affected by Typhoon Tino, which battered the Visayas, Mimaropa, and parts of Mindanao earlier this week. Cebu and neighboring provinces sustained heavy flooding and infrastructure damage, prompting President Marcos to personally visit the affected areas and oversee relief operations.

The President assured Cebuanos and other affected communities that the government “will not leave until every family is back on their feet,” as relief operations continue ahead of another approaching weather disturbance.