Benguet declares state of calamity

TUBLAY, Benguet — The Benguet Provincial Board approved a resolution Monday declaring the entire province under a state of calamity following heavy weather damage that exceeded P1 billion.

The declaration was finalized during a regular session convened in Barangay Basil in Tublay.

Vice Governor Marie Rose Fongwan-Kepes presided over the session, confirming the measure followed recommendations from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The official declaration releases P38 million from the province’s Quick Response Fund for immediate distribution.

Local officials said the funds will cover direct relief assistance for displaced residents and support urgent rehabilitation for damaged public infrastructure across Benguet municipalities.

Preliminary assessments from provincial disaster management officials show total damages surpassing P1.068 billion.

Persistent heavy weather triggered widespread landslides, soil erosion, and severe crop destruction, delivering a major blow to highland agriculture and primary transport routes.