Masbate’s State of Calamity should speed up aid delivery

TABACO CITY – With Masbate now officially under a state of calamity following Typhoon Opong’s double landfall on September 25, can residents expect fast access to emergency funds and relief operations?

The storm left over 16,302 families and 57,113 individuals affected, with homes destroyed, roads blocked, and essential services cut off across the province.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed the resolution on September 26, enabling the release of Quick Response Funds (QRF) from the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF), which sets aside 30 percent of the province’s annual budget and Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) for immediate disaster response—automatically accessible once a state of calamity is declared.

These measures aim to accelerate recovery and provide immediate support to communities in crisis, as well as freeze price increases of basic goods and no-interest government loans.

Masbate 3rd District Representative Wilton “Tonton” Kho, in a Facebook post yesterday, urged all barangay officials to promptly submit lists of affected residents, particularly those with damaged houses, through their respective LGU Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices (MSWDO).

His district, which includes the heavily impacted Ticao and Burias Islands, is among the most devastated by Typhoon Opong’s landfall.

The submission, he emphasized, is crucial to ensure timely and targeted delivery of aid.

Less than 19% reached

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office V – Bicol Region mobilized its disaster response teams across Masbate.

As of writing this article on September 27, a total of 2,986 Family Food Packs (FFPs) have been distributed to internally displaced persons (IDPs) currently housed in evacuation centers:

486 FFPs in Monreal, Ticao Island
1,000 FFPs in Batuan
1,500 FFPs facilitated for Tabuc, Mobo, with 700 FFPs immediately distributed at Lalaguna Evacuation Center

DSWD also extended aid to farmers and fisherfolk affected by both Opong and the southwest monsoon (Habagat), particularly in coastal areas of Masbate City. A Mobile Command Center was deployed to support ongoing operations and assess evacuee conditions.

Hard-to-reach islands slow relief efforts

However, the remote location of Ticao and Burias Islands has significantly delayed response efforts, with limited resources further obstructing the flow of aid and donations.

Compounding the crisis, Masbate was also struck by an earthquake.

In response, the Sangguniang Bayan of San Fernando declared a local state of calamity, following the recommendation of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC).

San Fernando is in total blackout: no power, no signal, no internet. The potable water supply is down, leaving residents without clean drinking water. Clearing operations are ongoing to unblock roads, but the community remains in urgent need of aid.

The official Facebook page of LGU San Fernando reiterated that each barangay has its own Calamity Fund to provide supplemental aid to affected residents. The municipal government emphasized that its own fund will be prioritized for rebuilding homes, as many families lost their shelters to Typhoon Opong.

It added that DSWD food packs will be distributed to evacuees and residents with damaged houses, based on damage assessments submitted by barangay offices.

Non-government initiatives

In Monreal, Masbate, the community-based organization UNA UNO, led by President Nemuel Rejuso, is conducting a donation drive to support affected families. With only P570 in initial funds, the group is seeking monetary donations via GCash or cash to purchase canned goods, noodles, clothing, and drinking water.

“Our funds are insufficient, and roof repairs are a major concern. We urge everyone’s help, hoping to get attention despite the lack of signal,” Rejuso told BicoldotPH.

UNA UNO volunteers are working to reach remote mountain areas, where communication remains limited and access is difficult. Relief goods have been prepared, but distribution timing is uncertain due to logistical challenges.

In the midst of this, Clyde Flores, a youth volunteer from Ticao, is appealing for help for his family and neighbors.

“To everyone who is willing to help, whether through small or big donations, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Every contribution matters and will surely make a difference in the lives of the families affected by the severe tropical storm,” Flores said.

Across Bicol, youth-led organizations are mobilizing to support Masbate. Groups such as Bicol University Lawod, UP Lawod, PUP Lawod, Kindness Station, Angat Sorsogon, UST Legazpi Political Science Society, Care Mercy Ministry Masbate, Memorare-Sedes Sapientiae, PAYAG, Bagong Ticao Movement, TAYO, Tinago Youth Organization, and Caritas-Caceres Naga are organizing donation drives and coordinating relief efforts.

Editor’s Note: The DSWD figure is based on its official Facebook post. The author has reached out to the agency for further updates.

If you’re able, please consider donating to the following organizations and initiatives:

BU Lawod

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1MSv7WG1jC

Diocese of Legazpi

https://www.facebook.com/share/17Kc56165u

SAC Legazpi

https://www.facebook.com/share/174DXq6gQG

CBCP News

https://www.facebook.com/share/1A8AD9C11b

Angat Sorsogon

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19eCpdRWM3