PB lifts state of calamity in province

CEBU, Philippines — After months under emergency status, the Province of Cebu has officially lifted its state of calamity following the twin disasters that struck last year, reflecting a significant step in its long-term recovery.

The Cebu Provincial Board approved this measure during its regular session on Monday, May 4, through a resolution authored by Board Member Lakambini G. Reluya.

The declaration was lifted upon the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), which determined that conditions across the province have already stabilized.

In its assessment, the PDRRMC said Cebu is now capable of shifting its focus from emergency response efforts to recovery and rehabilitation initiatives.

"WHEREAS, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), after thorough assessment and evaluation of the current conditions in the affected areas, has determined that the situation has stabilized and that the Province is now capable of transitioning from emergency response to recovery and rehabilitation," reads a portion of the document.

The recommendation was formalized under PDRRMC Resolution No. 002-2026, dated April 1, 2026.

Reluya, in her resolution, emphasized the need to formally lift the declaration to “restore normal governance operations and facilitate long-term development initiatives.”

The state of calamity was originally declared following the devastating magnitude 6.9 earthquake on September 30 and the onslaught of Typhoon Tino on November 4 last year.

Both disasters caused widespread damage to infrastructure, disrupted livelihoods, and displaced thousands of residents across Cebu.

Based on the PDRRMC's findings, emergency response operations have already been completed, with evacuation centers largely closed.

Basic services and commodity supply chains have also returned to normal levels in most parts of the province.

Despite the province-wide lifting, authorities noted that recovery and rehabilitation efforts remain ongoing in 19 severely affected areas.

These include the municipalities of Madridejos, Sta. Fe, Bantayan, Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remigio, Tabuelan, Tabogon, Borbon, Sogod, Compostela, Liloan, Consolacion, Balamban, and Asturias, as well as the cities of Bogo, Danao, Mandaue, and Talisay.

The PDRRMC recommended that local chief executives in these areas retain the authority to declare localized states of calamity if necessary.

“While the province-wide state of calamity be lifted, local government units in hardest-hit areas may still declare localized states of calamity should condition warrant,” the council noted.

The resolution also directs all concerned agencies to continue implementing recovery, rehabilitation, and disaster resilience programs.

This is to ensure sustained development and better preparedness for future emergencies.

Data from the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) showed that rebuilding northern Cebu alone would require P19.28 billion in funds, excluding damages caused by Typhoon Tino.

The earthquake resulted in P9.24 billion in damages and a staggering P47.74 billion in losses across multiple sectors.

The social sector sustained the heaviest impact, incurring P4.05 billion in damages and P2.19 billion in losses.

Infrastructure damage reached P1.98 billion, affecting roads, bridges, ports, and other critical lifelines.

Meanwhile, the productive sector, including agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and trade, recorded P718 million in damages but suffered P9.52 billion in losses due to economic disruption.

Cross-cutting sectors such as governance, the environment, and disaster risk reduction incurred P2.50 billion in damages.

The earthquake claimed at least 79 lives and left 1,271 individuals injured.

Typhoon Tino further worsened the situation, with reported casualties rising to 96 dead and 1,836 injured in Cebu Province. (CEBU NEWS)