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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Batac City under state of calamity

Batac City under state of calamity

Published Jul 6, 2026 03:44 pm
FIRE rages at the Batac City Public Market on Sunday. (FB)
FIRE rages at the Batac City Public Market on Sunday. (FB)
BATAC CITY – The city government of Batac has declared a state of calamity following a massive fire that caused extensive damage to properties and disrupted the livelihoods of affected residents and business owners.
The unnumbered resolution, unanimously approved by members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, will allow the city to immediately access its calamity funds and implement emergency response, relief, and recovery measures for families and vendors affected by the blaze.
City Mayor Mark Christian Chua said the move will also facilitate the procurement of essential goods and services needed for rehabilitation efforts.
“We know many of our vendors and families are facing uncertainty, and I want you to know that your city government is here, working together and acting with urgency,” said Chua after the declaration.
He met heads of the city government to ensure clearing and cleaning operations, damage assessment, and other immediate response efforts are moving forward without delay.
While monitoring the situation since last night, Gov. Cecilia Araneta-Marcos has instructed the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office to closely coordinate with the local government of Batac for the provision of immediate assistance, including family food packs to around 400 merchants and vendors whose livelihood depends on the market, the largest in the region, offering a variety of fresh produce, local handicrafts, and native delicacies.
"At this time of trial, let us keep our fellow citizens in our thoughts and prayers as we work together to help them recover and rebuild,” said Araneta-Marcos in a media interview on Monday.
The governor added they have also sought assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development for additional assistance.
Vendors of fruits and vegetables at the Batac City public market have temporarily occupied the newly established Bagsakan Center near the public market to sell their products.
Linemen of the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative helped in the power restoration efforts at the Batac City public market.
Fire investigators are still determining the cause of the incident, while authorities have appealed to the public to cooperate with the investigation and observe fire safety measures to help prevent similar incidents in the future. (PNA)

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Batac City Public market Fire
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