by: Valerie Ann Dismaya
The entire province of Pangasinan has been placed under a state of calamity following the widespread damage brought by Super Typhoon Uwan.
The declaration, made under Presidential Proclamation No. 1077 signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., allows the release of emergency funds and support for affected communities.
According to the Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), more than 7,000 families or around 24,000 individuals were evacuated from 35 local government units.
Relief operations continue as the provincial government, led by Governor Ramon V. Guico III, delivers assistance and meals through the “Guicosina Wheels” program to families still staying in evacuation centers.
Clearing operations are also ongoing at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center, spearheaded by the PDRRMO, General Services Office, and the Philippine Army.
In Dagupan City, floodwaters along Burgos Street remain high but passable.
Local authorities continue to advise motorists to drive carefully.
Meanwhile, in Lingayen, the LDRRMO, BFP, and Philippine Coast Guard are conducting rescue operations in flooded areas, where several residents, including children and the elderly, have been safely rescued.
Other towns such as Sta. Barbara and Agno are also conducting major clearing efforts.
In Agno, the MDRRMO reported that storm surges reaching up to three meters affected several coastal barangays.
From 230 pesos per kilo, the price of bangus dropped to 30 pesos today.
In Binmaley and Anda, prices have fallen to as low as 70 pesos to 80 pesos per kilo.
While no casualties have been reported, authorities remain on alert as clean-up and repair operations continue across the province.
