PANGASINAN, Philippines — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Pangasinan on Monday morning placed the entire province under a state of calamity following catastrophic flooding, landslides, and extensive damage caused by the southwest monsoon and Tropical Cyclones Luis, Maymay, and Neneng.
The measure was approved via Provincial Resolution No. 985-2026 during a special session presided over by Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino. The declaration followed an official endorsement from Governor Ramon Guico III based on the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
“The enhanced southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay and Neneng brought torrential rains and widespread flooding in low-lying areas of Pangasinan, resulting in severe flooding and widespread impacts on communities, infrastructure, agriculture, private properties and livelihoods,” Provincial Resolution No. 985-2026 stated.
Data from the Department of Social Welfare and Development indicated that the successive weather disturbances have affected more than 370,000 families, or approximately 1.2 million individuals. Preliminary reports as of August 30 pegged agricultural damage at PHP649.2 million, infrastructure losses at PHP232.5 million, and livestock damage at PHP2.1 million, with eight individual local government units having declared localized states of calamity prior to the provincial board’s action.
“The declaration of a state of calamity will also allow for the automatic price freeze on basic necessities and prime commodities as provided under Republic Act No. 7581, otherwise known as the ‘Price Act,’ and its implementing rules and regulations, to prevent overpricing, hoarding and profiteering during the emergency period,” the resolution said.
The province-wide declaration empowers provincial, city, municipal, and barangay authorities to quickly access emergency funds and mobilize resources alongside national agencies to fast-track relief, rescue, and rehabilitation operations.
According to monitoring by the Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office as of early Monday, floodwaters submerged 213 barangays across 15 municipalities and two cities. In addition, 12 barangays across three towns suffered flash floods, while 17 villages in five towns were hit by landslides. A total of 2,747 families, or 8,535 individuals, are currently sheltered in evacuation facilities, while 497 families are temporarily staying with relatives and friends as emergency teams continue response operations across the province.
Currently, the response operations continue in various towns of Pangasinan alongside partners from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, Philippine Army 71st Infantry Kaibigan Battalion 71D, and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices.|
