Muntinlupa mulls declaring state of calamity

Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced Friday that he has endorsed the declaration of a state of calamity for the entire city of Muntinlupa. The recommendation came from the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC).

The declaration is in accordance with the guidelines set by NDRRMC Memorandum Order No. 60, s. 2019, which permits such declarations once specific requirements are met. Following a thorough evaluation by the LDRRMC, it was determined that the city has met the necessary parameters.

“Through this declaration, the city and its barangays will have a legal basis to utilize necessary resources to deliver immediate aid, implement critical interventions, and expedite our response to the effects of the typhoon and monsoon rains,” Biazon said.

He added that operations and assistance to affected residents will continue while awaiting formal action from the City Council.

Biazon also expressed concern over the visible state of cleanliness in some communities, noting that he observed significant amounts of trash in canals, between houses and in alleys during a recent visit to a typhoon-affected area.

“Can’t the residents in a community help each other keep their surroundings clean?” Biazon said in his social media post. He pointed out that accumulated trash contributes to blocked drainage systems, can become breeding grounds for disease and is an eyesore.

Biazon also cited that most communities have neighborhood associations with established guidelines for household waste collection and scheduled placement at collection points. He questioned why some communities still exhibit such disarray.

“After this typhoon and monsoon rains, we need to clean up,” Biazon urged. “And that cleanup doesn’t just require the government to act. Every community must clean up.”

“Cleanliness is everyone’s responsibility, especially in inner communities. Let us all act,” he added.