BUKIDNON NEWS | BUKIDNON ONLINE | TYPHOON PABLO – Bukidnon government officials have declared a state of calamity in the Province of Bukidnon and initial reports have even indicated that crop damages alone due to Typhoon Pablo (international code name: Bopha) may amount to roughly Php 304 Million.

In his report before the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan during the December 6, 2012 session, Provincial Agriculture Officer Alson Quimba said that as of December 5, 3 PM, crop damages in Bukidnon caused by Typhoon Pablo may amount to about Php 304 Million. Quimba told the members of the provincial legislative council that among the crops affected were corn, rice, bananas and sugarcane. Quimba gave an initial assessment of 12,811 hectares as that affected by the storm. Quimba said that thousands of hectares of planted crops have zero percent recovery. He said that the Municipality of San Fernando is the most affected, with 80 percent of all planted corn washed out.

Meanwhile, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer-designate Arsenio Alagenio told the members of the SP that Malaybalay City, Valencia City and 12 municipalities (out of 20) were affected by the storm and that 4 people died due to Typhoon Pablo. The names of the victims can be found here. The bereaved families of the victims are entitled to receive Php 5,000 burial assistance.

He also said that about 26,123 families, which translates to 132,302 persons, were affected by the storm.

Alagenio also said that as of December 5, 2012, a total of 400 bags of rice and 15 cartons of sardines were available for distribution to typhoon victims. He also mentioned that the province only had 1 chainsaw and only 1 rubber boat. The rubber boat was used to rescue about 40 people in Valencia City. Alagenio said that the Valencia City-owned rubber boat could not be used at the time as it was punctured.

Alagenio also reported that 259 houses were deemed totally damaged while 190 houses were partially damaged. Owners of the totally damaged houses are qualified to receive Php 5,000 assistance while owners of partially damaged homes can avail of Php 3,000 assistance.

During the session, Bukidnon Vice Governor Jose Zubiri, Jr. also announced that the province has Php 126 Million calamity fund available. He clarified, however, that government agencies still need to present final reports by Wednesday next week. Bukidnon Online was told that in the meantime, about Php 20 Million Quick Response Fund will be used to address the immediate need for relief goods and other emergency concerns.

Meanwhile, a representative from Philippine Atmospheric and Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAG-ASA told the SP members that Bukidnon has no rainfall or water level monitoring equipment. He then suggested that the bridges in Bukidnon be painted with “water lines” so as to indicate water levels.

Ugyaban Bridge in Talakag (shown below, photo courtesy of Bryan Noble) was also damaged during Typhoon Pablo. Reports now say that a temporary foot bridge has been set up:

The mayors of Malaybalay City, Valencia City and of the Municipality of Lantapan also confirmed to Bukidnon Online that their areas are now also under a state of calamity.

Bukidnon Online posted updates even during the wake of Typhoon Pablo. Bukidnon Online first shared the news of the evacuation in Sitio Panamucan, Malaybalay City, the suspension of classes, the suspension of work at the Capitol and Malaybalay City hall, emergency numbers to call etc.

Bukidnon Online is also part of the team that MAPS evacuation centers, relief centers / donation drop-offs, missing persons lists etc.

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