ILOILO City – With the declaration of a state of calamity now official, Iloilo City is set to roll out a P21.5-million emergency fund aimed at immediate relief and long-term recovery for nearly 85,000 residents battered by recent storms and monsoon rains.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) on Tuesday approved the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (CDRRMC) recommendation following the devastating impacts of tropical storms “Crising”, “Dante”, and “Emong”, compounded by the southwest monsoon.
Data from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) showed that 22,496 families, or 84,382 individuals across 104 barangays, were affected. Flooding and storm surges displaced nearly 57,000 people, left two dead, and damaged 74 homes.
“This declaration is not just procedural, it’s essential for fast, effective, and coordinated response,” said Mayor Raisa Treñas, who convened the emergency CDRRMC meeting prior to the council session.
“Almost 57,000 Ilonggos have been affected by floods and storm surges. We need to act swiftly, not only to help them recover, but to build long-term resilience,” she said.
Of the P21.5-million Quick Response Fund (QRF) now available, P20 million will be allocated for developing a relocation site in Barangay San Juan (West Habog-Habog, Molo district), where permanent homes with basic services will be built for displaced families.
An additional P1.4 million will be used for food assistance, while P100,000 is earmarked for seedling distribution to affected farmers.
“We’re not just addressing the aftermath. We’re investing in long-term solutions, safe housing, improved food security, and stronger community preparedness,” Treñas added.
She also announced upcoming tabletop and field simulation exercises across disaster response units to reinforce the city’s readiness for future calamities.
“The strength of Iloilo City lies in our unity and cooperation. Together, we will recover, rebuild, and emerge stronger,” the mayor said.
Treñas had raised concerns over persistent weaknesses in barangay-level disaster preparedness and communication, which she said undermined the city’s overall resilience.
She pointed to issues in grassroots coordination, particularly in how some barangays failed to respond effectively.
“Isa ko nakita, more training sa barangay levels, kay amo na ang daw indi tagid ma-control,” Treñas said. “We have 180 barangays and kadako sang aton siyudad. So more on trainings sa disaster sa barangay level.”
She revealed that even before the storms hit, the city held an online meeting with all barangays — but not everyone showed up or followed through.
“Ang iban wala ya gali nag-attend, so dako gid nga impact nga ginbuligan kita sang media para mas naging aware gid ang aton pumuluyo,” she said.
Asked whether the barangays failed to act, Treñas clarified that the core issue was not the intent but capacity./PN
