“TULONG-tulong po tayong bumangon sa ganitong sakuna.”

Gov. Amado Espino III rallied all affected towns and cities to do all for the early recovery and rehabilitation of communities after an aerial rapid assessment of the extent of damage caused by massive flooding in Pangasinan.

He made the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office’s (PDRRMO’s) staging area on July 23.

“The flooding is unprecedented because the volume of rain in Pangasinan in four days is equivalent to the normal rainfall in three months,” the governor said, quoting the assessment issued by the PAGASA.

Espino was joined by the Office of Civil Defense Region-1 Director Melchito Castro and PDRRMO executive officer Rhodyn Lunchivar Oro aboard a Philippine Air Force rescue helicopter.

Earlier that day, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan convened and passed a provincial resolution declaring a state of calamity in the province of Pangasinan.

“The whole province has been gravely affected, destroying agricultural products and infrastructure and affecting numerous families and individuals,” states SP resolution #473-2018 jointly authored by all the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

The resolution noted that PDRRMO’s report that cited P1,084,080,466 in damages to agriculture (P648,380,466) and infrastructure (P435,700,000).

Espino said he expects the figure to increase once all reports have been consolidated “Wala pa nga dito ang damages to fisheries,” he said.

The governor said half of the province were flooded and the PDRRMO recorded 300 barangays to be severely affected. Reports, as of July 22, there were 10,528 families or 43,335 residents were evacuated due to flooding.

Espino commended the various Municipal and City DRRMCs for their close coordination with the PDRRMO and quick response during the fast rise of floodwaters which have saved lives.

He also commended the PNP, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard for their support to the evacuation efforts.

He was at the command center of the PDRRMO 24/7 directing the rescue and relief operations led by the composite teams of various offices of the provincial government.

“Patuloy ang pagbibigay natin ng tulong sa mga Municipal at City DRRMCs simula sa pag augment sa kanilang rescue teams, rescue trucks and equipment and relief goods,” the governor said.

After the final assessment of damages is done, Espino said the rehabilitation will start posthaste. (PIO/OMV)

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