The Municipality of Masinloc, Zambales has been placed under a state of calamity due to widespread flooding, property damage, and disruptions caused by continuous monsoon rains or Habagat.
The Sangguniang Bayan of Masinloc approved Resolution No. 217-26 during a special session on August 17, 2026, declaring the municipality under a state of calamity.
The resolution cited reports from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and local disaster monitoring units of heavy to intense rainfall in Central Luzon, including Masinloc.
It also noted that continuous downpours had caused severe flooding in several low-lying and flood-prone barangays, resulting in damage to local infrastructure and agriculture, the displacement of families requiring evacuation, and the temporary suspension of work and classes.
According to the resolution, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) submitted an initial damage assessment and recommendation, indicating that the adverse impact of the continuous rains had disrupted critical community services and livelihood activities and required immediate government intervention.
Mayor Hazel Jalata Lim confirmed the declaration in a Facebook post, saying the successive rains had disrupted the municipality’s primary sources of livelihood.
“Dahil sa sunod-sunod na pag-ulan na nakaantala ng pangunahing kabuhayan ng ating bayan, sa bisa ng Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 217-26, nagdeklara na ng State of Calamity ang Bayan ng Masinloc,” Lim said.
She added that the declaration would allow the local government to mobilize funds for assistance to affected residents.
“Sa pamamagitan ng resolusyon, nabibigyan ng kapangyarihan ang ehekutibo na gumasta ng pondo para sa pagbili ng pangunahing tulong na maaaring ipamahagi sa mga Masinloqueño,” she said.
The resolution was unanimously approved by the Sangguniang Bayan members present during the special session.
