After Typhoon Tino’s devastation: Cebu under state of calamity

CEBU, Philippines — After recently being hit by an earthquake, Cebu province is once again under a state of calamity via an official declaration by the Provincial Government, following the massive devastation caused by Typhoon Tino on November 4, which left widespread destruction of infrastructure, homes and livelihood, and the loss of lives across the island.

Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro issued Executive Order No. 68, Series of 2025, declaring the entire Cebu province under a state of calamity to fast-track relief, rescue, and rehabilitation operations in the wake of Tino’s devastation.

The declaration was made after the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) confirmed extensive damage across Cebu’s component cities and municipalities. Initial assessments showed loss of lives, displacement of families, and disruption of essential services such as electricity, communication, and water supply.

EO 68 stated that Tino’s onslaught “caused severe damage to infrastructure, government facilities, private establishments, and residential areas, resulting in loss of lives, injuries, and displacement of communities.”

The EO emphasized the need for urgent action to ensure public safety, health, and order.

Under the proclamation, all provincial government offices, component cities, and municipalities are authorized to utilize their Quick Response Funds (QRFs) and other appropriate resources to support rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts. The use of these funds, however, must comply with existing auditing and accounting regulations.

Baricuatro also directed the Local Price Coordination Council, in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), to enforce a price freeze on basic goods and prime commodities pursuant to Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act. The move aims to prevent hoarding and profiteering during the ongoing crisis.

Section 4 of the Executive Order mandates the Cebu PDRRMO, together with local disaster offices, to lead and coordinate the province’s overall response efforts. These include search and rescue operations, delivery of relief goods, medical assistance, and the long-term rehabilitation of affected communities.

The declaration took effect immediately upon signing and will remain in force until lifted by the Provincial Government upon the recommendation of the PDRRMC, once conditions in the province have stabilized.

Meanwhile, Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco convened an emergency session of the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan on November 5 to formalize and support the declaration. He said the move is vital in “speeding up relief and rehabilitation efforts and ensuring that assistance reaches all affected areas swiftly.”

Soco described the extent of destruction in various parts of the province as “severe,” citing reports of flooded homes, impassable roads, and disrupted livelihoods. He also emphasized the importance of unity and coordination among provincial and local agencies to help Cebuanos recover faster.

“Nakita nato karon ang kadaut sa daghang dapit—mga panimalay nga gibahaan ug nagusbat, dalan nga dili madaanan, ug mga panginabuhi nga naapektuhan nunot sa kadaot sa bagyo,” Soco said in his post.

He added that the provincial government remains committed to helping every affected Cebuano get back on their feet.

Typhoon Tino battered northern and central Cebu with strong winds and torrential rains, toppling trees, damaging power lines, and submerging several low-lying areas. Many towns remain without electricity and cellular signal, while water supply has yet to be fully restored in several areas.

The PDRRMO reported that rescue teams and local responders have been deployed across affected localities to carry out retrieval and clearing operations. Evacuation centers remain open to accommodate displaced residents as relief distribution continues.

Provincial authorities have also called on national agencies and private organizations to extend assistance in rebuilding efforts, particularly in severely hit towns such as Compostela and Liloan, and the cities of Bogo and Danao.

As of November 5, the Provincial Government assured that all measures are being taken to restore essential services, maintain public order, and address the immediate needs of affected families. Both Governor Baricuatro and Vice Governor Soco urged Cebuanos to stay vigilant, cooperative, and hopeful as recovery operations continue across the province.

Cebu City

Cebu City has been officially declared also under state of calamity, following the devastation of Typhoon Tino on Tuesday, November 4.

The City Council, via mass motion, approved the declaration, upon recommendation by Councilor Dave Tumulak, chairman of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CCDRRMC), during a special session that was presided, in an acting capacity, by Councilor Winston Pepito yesterday afternoon, November 5.

The declaration would enable the city government to mobilize resources, access emergency funds, and implement urgent disaster response and recovery measures after the typhoon.

The special session was called in response to the widespread flooding, landslides, and severe soil erosion across multiple barangays in the city, which also resulted in prolonged power outages, mass evacuations, and 12 reported casualties as of 5 p.m. yesterday

Aside from the declaration, the City Council also approved urgent access to a total of P153 million in disaster response budget.

Of the total budget, P120 million will come from the city’s Quick Respond Fund, while the other P33 million in humanitarian aid will be from the Relief and Recovery Assistance Fund of the 2025 annual budget.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival thanked the City Council for approving the declaration, highlighting the significance of the urgent procurement of disaster funds.

“Well, nagpasalamat ko kay part man na sa atong recommendation gikan sa disaster council … One of the very important things ana nga naa ta’y disaster preparedness funds nga makuha dayon,” he told the media yesterday.

Meanwhile, in a separate interview, Tumulak explained that it cannot be determined yet that the approved budget is enough since it is only based on the city government’s latest initial assessment of the damages caused by the typhoon.

“We cannot say enough (ang budget) kay wa’ pa man nato makuhai og data. Partial pa ‘ni atong gikuan (gather),” he said.

He added that the budget might be increased, noting that there are still other barangays in the mountainous part of the city that have not yet been inspected because of the roads blocked by fallen trees and debris.

The Council further approved a resolution urging the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for a price freeze of all commodities or basic necessities including including food, water, fuel, and other essential items.

Tumulak said the resolution was pushed after receiving reports of undesirable selling of overpriced products even during times when most people were affected by the typhoon. — Kristin de Dios

/ RAE (FREEMAN)