Marikina to declare state of calamity after severe flooding

Marikina City Mayor Marjorie Ann "Maan" Teodoro has recommended placing Marikina under a state of calamity due to widespread flooding and massive displacement caused by Typhoon Crising and the intensified southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat.

On Wednesday, 23 July, Teodoro submitted a resolution from the Marikina City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to the Sangguniang Panlungsod, urging immediate action to address the city’s worsening situation.

“A state of calamity is necessary to facilitate the immediate release and utilization of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund and other response mechanisms… to ensure swift, coordinated, and effective disaster response and recovery operations,” the resolution stated.

The city disaster risk reduction and management council reported that 12 low-lying barangays were severely impacted by floods.

As of 22 July, some 4,799 families and 23,639 individuals have been displaced, requiring urgent evacuation, shelter, and relief support.

The resolution also noted significant damage to residential and commercial properties, widespread disruption of transportation and essential services, and heightened risks to public health and safety, especially for children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

The city government continues to assess the extent of the damage and prepare for emergency responses.

Teodoro emphasized that the scale of devastation “requires the mobilization of resources and implementation of emergency measures beyond the regular capacity of the local government.”

The state of calamity declaration would fast-track access to emergency funds and support rapid repairs and rehabilitation of affected areas. It would also allow full activation of the quick response fund under Republic Act No. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.

Under this law, the city’s estimated revenue from regular sources is reserved for disaster risk management, with 30 percent of that fund allocated as a quick response fund to support relief and recovery programs.