Antique: The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has approved a resolution recommending that the province of Antique be placed under a state of calamity. This recommendation comes in response to the impact caused by the southwest monsoon, which was intensified by Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi) from September 25-26.

According to Philippines News Agency, Provincial Administrator Robin Rubinos, who led the emergency meeting, emphasized the necessity of the declaration. The province aims to utilize a portion of its PHP29 million Quick Response Fund to assist affected families and undertake essential infrastructure repairs. Rubinos stated, “We will be submitting the resolution immediately to the Provincial Board so that it can tackle our recommendation and place the province under the state of calamity during their Monday session.”

The decision is partly based on the earlier declarations of calamity in the municipalities of Laua-an and Culasi. The Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) reported total damages amounting to PHP389 million. This includes PHP336 million for infrastructure and lifelines, PHP35 million for agriculture and fisheries, PHP10 million for social services due to damaged houses, PHP6 million for economic and tourism facilities, and PHP1.3 million for livestock and poultry.

The storm has resulted in significant damage to 754 houses in the towns of Sebaste, Hamtic, and Tibiao, with 50 houses completely destroyed and 704 damaged. This follows a previous state of calamity declaration in July due to the southwest monsoon exacerbated by Tropical Storm Crising.