BONTOC, Mountain Province — Mountain Province has been placed under a State of Calamity after members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) approved the declaration during their regular session on 14 November.
The move follows a recommendation made during an emergency meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) Council on November 13, citing the extensive destruction left by Super Typhoon “Uwan” across multiple communities.
With the declaration in effect, the provincial government is now authorized to tap the 30% Quick Response Fund (QRF), drawn from the 5% Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Fund, to immediately support relief and recovery operations.
A price freeze on basic goods was also imposed to prevent profiteering and ensure that essential commodities remain accessible to affected residents.
Local officials said the declaration is expected to expedite aid distribution and fast-track rehabilitation initiatives to assist families, farmers, and sectors heavily impacted by the typhoon.