LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – The province of Ilocos Norte has been placed under a state of calamity due to Super Typhoon Julian (international name: Khraton), which struck on October 1, causing nearly a billion pesos in damages to agriculture and infrastructure.
Members of the provincial board unanimously approved Provincial Resolution No. 341-2024 during a special session.
Board member Franklin Respicio, chair of the committee on natural calamities, explained the need for the declaration, stating, “This will be used to provide relief to the affected families, as well as to reprogram or realign funds for the repair and rehabilitation of the damaged properties and infrastructure.”
The declaration allows the provincial government to mobilize its five percent calamity fund, which amounts to P109.88 million for this year.
According to the latest report from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the estimated cost of loss and damages has reached P963.44 million. This includes P612.56 million in infrastructure damages and P350.88 million in combined losses from the provincial veterinary and agriculture offices.
The super typhoon has also affected 34,859 families or 127,283 individuals.
In response, the provincial government has provided 8,541 food packs worth P6.6 million, while the local government units distributed 4,653 to their constituents, valued at P3.1 million.
Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc has been going around towns and cities to distribute relief packs to the residents staying at the evacuation centers.
Meanwhile, casualties were also reported involving a drowning incident in Batac City and a death case in Laoag City.
Manotoc reminds the Ilokano community to cooperate with the government directives and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Further, he asks the residents to remain vigilant and heed safety advisories from PAGASA.
‘Julian’ re-entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on October 3. (AMB/MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)
