Iloilo City may declare calamity; Antique under price freeze

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

With more than 50,000 residents affected by recent storms, the Iloilo City government is considering a state of calamity declaration.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) recommended the move, reporting that 44,723 people were affected by flooding and 12,158 by storm surge.

Of the total affected, 128 families or 449 individuals are currently housed in evacuation centers.

At least 94 barangays experienced flooding, and 74 houses were damaged.

The recommendation was made following an emergency meeting on Tuesday, July 29.

Mayor Raisa Treñas proposed utilizing PHP21.5 million from the city’s PHP62 million Quick Response Fund to address the disaster’s impact.

Of this amount, PHP20 million will be allocated for site development at relocation areas in Barangays West Habog-Habog and San Juan in the Molo district.

The relocation site is on a city-owned property near the boundary of the two barangays.

Food assistance for displaced families is budgeted at PHP1.4 million, while PHP100,000 is allocated for the procurement of vegetable seeds.

The City Council is expected to vote on the resolution declaring a state of calamity during its regular session on July 30.

Meanwhile, in Antique, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has implemented a 60-day price freeze following the provincial government’s state of calamity declaration on July 25.

DTI Antique has begun enforcing the automatic price ceiling (APC) on basic necessities, including canned sardines, processed milk, coffee, bread, instant noodles, and laundry soap.

As of writing, the local governments of Culasi and Sebaste have submitted their APC compliance forms.

DTI Antique is urging the public to report violators via its official Facebook page or by visiting the nearest Negosyo Center.