Negros provinces, Bacolod, and Canlaon declare state of calamity after Typhoon Tino

By Glazyl M. Jopson and Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — The provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, along with Bacolod and Canlaon cities, have declared a state of calamity following the extensive damage caused by Typhoon Tino earlier this week.

The Bacolod City Council approved the declaration on Thursday upon the request of Mayor Greg Gasataya and the recommendation of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC).

Gasataya said the move was necessary as many barangays had already depleted their funds and could no longer sustain aid for evacuees and affected families.

“We need to implement a price freeze, which is vital during a calamity. We also understand the situation of our barangays,” he said.

According to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), 7,895 families or 27,401 individuals were evacuated preemptively, resulting in zero casualties during the typhoon.

The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) reported that 266 houses were totally destroyed and 2,028 were partially damaged, mostly due to storm surges, strong winds, and fallen trees in coastal areas.

Clearing operations have been completed in 48 of the 244 affected areas, allowing the Negros Electric Power Corporation (NEPC) to continue power restoration and repair 65 toppled poles, while major road and barangay clearing efforts are still ongoing.

Councilor Dindo Ramos explained that the declaration allows barangays to access 30 percent of their Quick Response Fund (QRF) from their five percent calamity fund, while the city government can also tap into its own QRF and Trust Fund to expedite relief and recovery efforts.

Acting Vice Mayor Caesar Distrito described Typhoon Tino as the most devastating storm in the past decade, recalling how storm surges destroyed houses on stilts in Barangay Singcang-Airport, where he previously served as barangay captain.

Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) head Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga said the city is preparing long-term assistance for displaced families.

“We are also considering those affected outside evacuation centers who need immediate recovery support,” she added.

Gasataya urged the Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa)–PrimeWater to intensify efforts to stabilize the city’s water supply and called on telecommunication companies to ensure reliable network services.

Water rationing continues in some areas still without electricity and water.

The mayor expressed gratitude to frontliners, barangay officials, and partner agencies for their coordinated disaster response.

“For whatever it’s worth, we truly thank everyone who followed the preemptive evacuation call. In my assessment, we really saved a lot of lives,” Gasataya said.

In neighboring Canlaon City, the city council also declared a state of calamity upon the request of Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas after Typhoon Tino displaced residents and damaged homes, public facilities, and utilities.

A total of 12 deaths and 14 missing persons were reported in the city, with search and rescue operations still ongoing.

Most deaths occurred in Barangay Panubigan (9) and one each in Barangays Malaiba, Bayog, and Masulog, while missing persons were reported in Barangay Panubigan (8) and two each in Barangays Mabigo, Malaiba, and Linothangan as of November 5.

More than 300 families were affected across several barangays in Canlaon City.

The local government is accepting donations at the Canlaon City Pension House, prioritizing potable drinking water, kitchen wares, milk, diapers, and fuel for displaced families.

“We urge everyone to remain alert and cooperate with authorities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families,” the local government said.

Meanwhile, the Negros Occidental provincial government was also placed under a state of calamity after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the recommendation of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on Thursday.

Provincial Board Member Andrew Montelibano confirmed that the provincial board convened in a special session to address the governor’s request.

“It was unanimously approved,” Montelibano said, adding that he met with Governor Lacson at the Provincial Capitol after the session.

Responding to concerns over the perceived delay in the declaration, Lacson said he was bound by procedural requirements, explaining that “it has to come first from the affected LGUs.”

He noted that after the municipalities of Toboso and La Castellana and La Carlota City made their own declarations, he formally recommended placing the entire province under a state of calamity.

On November 4, Typhoon Tino battered Negros Occidental with torrential rains, strong winds, and widespread flooding, leaving several dead and thousands displaced.

According to Lacson, 31 local government units encompassing 375 barangays were affected, with 39,102 families or 134,718 individuals suffering from the storm’s impact.

Reports and assessments showed severe damage to infrastructure such as major roads, bridges, power stations, potable water systems, and telecommunications facilities, disrupting emergency operations and basic services.

The agricultural sector also suffered significant losses, including widespread destruction of crops, livestock, and fishponds.

Citing the urgent need for coordinated recovery and rehabilitation, Lacson said the province-wide calamity declaration was both necessary and justified.

“We are asking businessmen to have a heart and not take advantage of the situation,” he said, appealing to the private sector to avoid profiteering amid the crisis.

Negros Occidental last declared a province-wide state of calamity in 2022 after severe flooding caused by a low-pressure area and the tail end of a cold front devastated large parts of the province.