Bataan has been placed under a State of Calamity effective Thursday, August 20, due to the widespread damage and continuing effects of the southwest monsoon or Habagat, as well as the persistent rains and strong winds brought by Typhoons Luis and Maymay in recent days.
Bataan Governor Joet Garcia announced the declaration following the approval of Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 365, Series of 2026.
Several low-lying and flood-prone communities, particularly in parts of Hermosa, Dinalupihan, and Mariveles, experienced higher levels of flooding, forcing some families to evacuate for their safety.
Garcia clarified, however, that not all municipalities in the province experienced severe flooding. In many areas, residents encountered only minor, shallow, and short-lived flooding.
Despite this, the governor said the impact of the weather disturbances extended beyond property damage, as disruptions to daily activities affected the livelihoods and income of fishermen, farmers, transport workers, construction workers, small business owners, and other residents dependent on daily earnings.
The provincial government said the State of Calamity will allow authorities to strengthen disaster response and expedite the delivery of aid, assistance, and other support to displaced families, flood-affected communities, and sectors whose livelihoods were disrupted.
It will also facilitate recovery and rehabilitation efforts addressing damage to infrastructure, homes, livelihoods, and other essential needs.
The declaration is likewise expected to help the government maintain adequate and affordable supplies and prices of basic commodities while strengthening the capacity of local governments to respond to, recover from, and prepare for succeeding disasters.
Garcia emphasized that the effects of a disaster should not be measured solely by the depth of flooding or the extent of property damage, noting that even shallow and temporary flooding can result in significant economic losses for affected families.
The provincial government urged residents to remain vigilant and follow advisories from authorities as the rainy season continues.
“Patuloy po tayong mag-ingat. Ugaliing makinig at sumunod sa mga abiso ng ating mga awtoridad, lalo na habang nagpapatuloy ang tag-ulan. Huwag nating hintayin na lumala ang sitwasyon bago kumilos,” Garcia said.
