By Rachel Magday

 

NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The entire province of Nueva Vizcaya has been placed under a state of calamity following the widespread devastation caused by Super Typhoon “Uwan” (international name: Fung‑Wong), which left more than P3 billion worth of damage to agriculture and infrastructure across the province.

In Resolution No. 2025‑5998, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan formally declared the state of calamity, enabling the provincial and municipal local governments to hasten emergency response, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts.

The measure, sponsored by Hon. Eunice Galima‑Gambol, was unanimously approved by the Provincial Board. It cites as legal bases the recommendation of the Nueva Vizcaya Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Memorandum Order No. 60 and Presidential Proclamation No. 1077 , which placed the entire country under a national state of calamity.

Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito welcomed the declaration and underscored its importance despite the existing nationwide state of calamity.

“While the entire country is already under a national state of calamity, it is still necessary for Nueva Vizcaya to be placed under a provincial state of calamity,” Governor Gambito explained. “A local declaration gives us the legal basis to fully utilize our provincial and municipal calamity funds, implement price controls, and fast‑track rehabilitation projects specifically tailored to the needs of our communities.”

He also expressed his gratitude to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for its swift action.

“I sincerely thank our Sangguniang Panlalawigan for acting promptly on this urgent situation,” the governor said. “This declaration is crucial to fast‑track rehabilitation projects and support long‑term recovery across the province.”

Under the declaration, provincial and municipal governments can speed up recovery and repair efforts, use the Quick Response Fund and other standby funds, ask for additional assistance from national agencies and nearby provinces and towns, and enforce price controls to keep the prices of basic goods and services stable in affected areas.

The Provincial Board said the move is intended to sustain relief efforts already undertaken, stabilize essential services, and support medium- and long-term rehabilitation across all affected communities in Nueva Vizcaya.