LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Mayor Roderick C. Awingan of La Trinidad, Benguet said the municipality was placed under a state of calamity on 18 August 2026, following the recommendation of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC).

The declaration was approved by the Sangguniang Bayan during its regular session and subsequently confirmed by Awingan.

The MDRRMC recommended the declaration after heavy rains brought by a typhoon and the prevailing southwest monsoon caused widespread damage across the municipality.

La Trinidad met two key criteria set by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) for declaring a state of calamity: damage to critical public infrastructure and significant losses to agricultural products.

Infrastructure damage has been estimated at P57 million, with major roads, including the Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road, affected by washouts and blockages. Awingan said the total cost of rehabilitating damaged public infrastructure could reach around P220 million.

Reports from barangay disaster committees also showed that several houses were destroyed, with estimated damages of P1.609 million. Initial assessments placed agricultural losses at nearly P25 million.

The declaration allows the local government to access its Quick Response Fund (QRF) for immediate assistance and relief operations. Awingan said the municipality has about P13 million available in the fund, which will be used for urgent repairs and assistance to affected residents.

The mayor added that the municipal government will seek additional funding and assistance from national government agencies to cover the remaining rehabilitation costs.