MANILA, Philippines — Widespread flooding triggered by relentless monsoon rains has led to declarations of a state of calamity in Quezon City in Metro Manila, the municipality of Calumpit in Bulacan, and the entire province of Cavite, officials announced Tuesday, as local governments mobilize emergency funds to address the crisis.
In Quezon City, the city council passed resolution PR23CC-054, declaring a state of calamity following a recommendation from the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (QCDRRMC). Mayor Joy Belmonte clarified that the declaration is intended to expedite access to emergency funds rather than signal widespread destruction.
“There’s a misconception that a state of calamity means massive deaths or destruction,” Belmonte said in an interview. “That’s not what it means. It allows us to access our quick response fund—30% of our budget—more quickly for immediate rehabilitation.”
Belmonte outlined three priorities for the funds: clearing garbage and debris left by floodwaters, repairing minor infrastructure damage, and purchasing essential medicines for evacuees. Overcrowding in evacuation centers has raised health concerns, she noted. To accelerate cleanup efforts, the city plans to hire additional garbage trucks.
“We’re only using a portion of the quick response fund for these priorities,” Belmonte said. “The year is long, and we may face more disasters, so we’re being prudent.”
In Cavite, Governor Francisco Gabriel “Abeng” Remulla declared the entire province under a state of calamity due to the severe impact of the southwest monsoon, intensified by Severe Tropical Storm Crising. In a Facebook post, Remulla said the declaration aims to “expedite government agencies’ actions in providing immediate aid, rehabilitating affected areas, and utilizing disaster funds to ensure the safety of every Caviteño.”
Meanwhile, in Calumpit, Bulacan, Mayor Lem Faustino announced a state of calamity via SB Resolution No. 85-2025, citing flooding caused by continuous rainfall, high tides, and water releases from Ipo Dam. The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) recommended the move, which was approved by the Sangguniang Bayan.
According to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) and MDRRMC, the flooding has affected 131,832 individuals, or 40,501 families, across 29 barangays. Of those, 317 families, totaling 1,188 individuals, are currently housed in nine evacuation centers. Agricultural losses are estimated at 19 hectares of crops, valued at approximately 3.8 million pesos ($65,000 USD).
The declarations enable local governments to tap into emergency funds and streamline relief efforts as communities brace for continued recovery challenges amid the ongoing rainy season.
