CAPIZ – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Capiz has officially declared the province under a state of calamity following massive flooding caused by Tropical Storm “Ramil” over the weekend.
The resolution, approved on Tuesday, October 21, came on the recommendation of the Capiz Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) and Gov. Fredenil Castro.
The declaration allows the provincial government to utilize its calamity fund to address urgent needs and expedite relief operations for affected residents.
According to PDRRMC head Shiela Artillero, the floods affected 216 out of 573 barangays across 15 municipalities, impacting nearly 130,000 residents in Roxas City and surrounding towns, including Sigma, President Roxas, Panay, Panitan, Pontevedra, Ivisan, and Maayon. Among those affected, 27,285 families, or 102,419 individuals, were displaced.
The disaster also left a tragic toll: three fatalities have been confirmed—two due to drowning and one from electrocution—while two other deaths are still being verified. Agricultural areas were heavily impacted, with 4,184 hectares of farmland damaged, affecting 4,360 farmers and resulting in estimated losses of over P105.74 million. Officials noted that these losses are expected to rise as assessment continues.
The floods disrupted delivery of essential services, including water and electricity, as some power lines were cut to prevent accidents. Artillero also highlighted the urgent need for doxycycline, vaccines, potable water, and 25,000 family food packs, which were requested during the visit of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian.
Gov. Castro ordered immediate assistance for affected families through the provincial government’s Task Force Pagdumdum, which has already distributed food packs to residents in Sigma town and other hard-hit areas. Relief operations, clearing of debris, and coordination with local government units (LGUs) continue across the province.
Already under a state of calamity are Roxas City and the municipalities of Ivisan and Pontevedra, while additional LGUs are being monitored for further assistance.
“At this point, we have already covered the parameters required for a province-wide declaration,” Artillero said. “Disaster response and recovery remain our top priorities to ensure the safety and welfare of all Capizeños.”/PN
