LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines – The Sangguniang Bayan has declared the capital town of Benguet province a State of Calamity, due to the extensive damage caused by the recent typhoons Luis, Maymay, habagat and the impact of African Swine Infection in the town of La Trinidad.
By virtue of Resolution No.374-2026, on August 18, it was noted that La Trinidad recorded 1,558.4 millimeters of rain from August 3 to August 11, from the recent typhoons and habagat, which resulted in massive landslides, killing two people and widespread destruction to critical public infrastructure, severely damaging major thoroughfares, isolating several communities and severely hindering emergency response, relief operations and basic mobility.
The agricultural sector, which serves as the economic backbone and primary livelihood of the municipality, sustained losses, with damages reported to residential houses, agricultural facilities, greenhouses, irrigation canals and vital slope protection systems.
Aside from farms there are 62 reported dead pigs due to ASF that resulted in depopulation of 221 pigs within the infected areas amounting to P464,000.00.
In the report of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, there is an initial P58 million worth of damages from public infrastructure (roads, network, footpath, slope protection, educational facilities, drainage systems), private infrastructure, crop damages, machineries and facilities and livestock.
Mayor Roderick Awingan said the declaration of a State of Calamity means the municipality has met the criteria for a calamity declaration, including damage to critical infrastructure and widespread agricultural losses, and is based on the recommendation of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
The declaration allows the municipal government to use its P13-million Quick Response Fund for immediate relief, emergency repairs and assistance to affected residents.
Awingan said the municipality will also seek additional funds from national government agencies to fund the remaining rehabilitation efforts.
