MANILA: Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr has declared a state of national calamity for one year to expedite rescue, relief, recovery and rehabilitation operations following the extensive damage caused by Typhoon Tino, Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported.
Under Proclamation 1077, signed by Marcos on 5 Nov and made public on Saturday, the declaration aims to facilitate faster and more coordinated delivery of humanitarian assistance by both the government and private sector in the areas affected by the typhoon.
The one-year declaration also authorises the immediate enforcement of mandatory remedial measures, including the imposition of price ceilings on basic necessities and prime commodities, the granting of interest-free loans to the most affected sectors and measures to prevent overpricing, profiteering or hoarding of essential goods, medicines and petroleum products.
It further allows national and local governments to utilise appropriate funds for rescue, relief, recovery and rehabilitation programmes, including the provision of basic services to displaced individuals and communities.
The state of national calamity will remain in effect for one year unless lifted earlier by the President, according to Proclamation 1077.
Typhoon Tino battered large parts of the Visayas, as well as areas in Mindanao and Southern Luzon, causing heavy flooding, landslides and damage to infrastructure.
The death toll has risen to 188, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported.
