Valenzuela City declares state of calamity after flooding
(FILES) After the deluge Streets turn into rivers and fences into trash traps as Metro Manila reels from days of relentless rain. Workers haul heaps of single-use plastic caught along Araneta Avenue in Quezon City, while residents in Valenzuela and Manila brave knee-deep floods. With the southwest monsoon showing no signs of letting up, the next three days promise more rain — and more hardship.
Photo by TOTO AURELIO, ARAM LASCANO AND ANALY LABOR FOR DAILY TRIBUNE
The City Government of Valenzuela on Thursday declared a state of calamity in response to the widespread flooding caused by days of heavy rainfall brought by the Habagat and Tropical Storms Crising, Dante, and Emong from 21-23 July 2025.
Mayor Wes Gatchalian said the approval of Resolution No. 3503, Series of 2025, was passed during a special session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod on 24 July. The declaration was issued based on formal recommendations from the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC) and reports from barangays citing widespread flooding, infrastructure damage, and community disruption.
At the height of the flooding, more than 9,000 individuals were rescued and evacuated to temporary shelters by the Valenzuela City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (VCDRRMO), in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and the City Health Office. These agencies led the city’s emergency response, ensuring the safety, health, and welfare of affected residents.
Gatchalian said the declaration of a state of calamity enables the swift use of local disaster funds, provision of emergency assistance, and acceleration of recovery and rehabilitation efforts. It also facilitates coordination with national agencies and humanitarian partners for the delivery of much-needed support.
Through these efforts, Gatchalian said the city government aims to ensure that every Pamilyang Valenzuelano will be able to recover and rebuild with strength and dignity. Relief operations and health services continue in evacuation centers, while post-flood assessments are underway to guide the next phase of recovery.
To assist stranded commuters, the city government also launched Libreng Sakay operations along heavily affected routes, providing free transportation to and from key areas. These efforts helped maintain mobility and access to essential services during the height of the storm.
In a video message uploaded on Facebook, Gatchalian said, “Hindi po natin pwedeng baliwalain ang epekto nitong bagyo sa ating mga manggagawa at marginalized sector, kaya naman idineklara na natin ang state of calamity dito sa ating lungsod. Nananawagan po ako sa ating mga kababayan na maging alerto at makiisa, sapagkat ang ating kolektibong pagkilos at responde ay higit na kinakailangan ng ating mahal na lungsod.”
Amid the ongoing response, the City Government remains on heightened alert as continued rains from Typhoon Dante and Typhoon Emong may cause further flooding and damage. All relevant offices are on standby for additional emergency deployments and assistance should conditions worsen.
The City Government of Valenzuela said it remains committed to protecting its constituents and ensuring a fast and effective response as the city works toward restoring normalcy in the affected communities.