By Robin Caballero, Regional Correspondent

BULAKAN, Bulacan – The coastal municipality of Bulakan has been placed under a state of calamity following days of persistent rains brought by the southwest monsoon or Habagat, triggering severe flooding and disrupting livelihoods in several communities.

The declaration was made through a Sangguniang Bayan resolution upon the recommendation of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO).

With Bulakan’s declaration, two of Bulacan’s 24 cities and municipalities are now under a state of calamity. Neighboring Calumpit had earlier declared a state of calamity amid flooding.

The prolonged heavy rains, coupled with high tides along Manila Bay, caused floodwaters to rise in low-lying coastal and riverfront communities. Several roads and residential streets were submerged, with some becoming impassable to light vehicles.

The flooding also affected the municipality’s agricultural and aquaculture sectors, with fishponds and farmlands inundated for several days.

Municipal disaster and health personnel have been deployed to affected communities to distribute relief goods, monitor flooded areas and provide medical assistance, including measures against waterborne diseases such as leptospirosis.

The state of calamity declaration allows the local government to access emergency funds to support relief, medical and search-and-rescue operations.

An automatic price freeze on basic necessities and prime commodities has also taken effect in Bulakan to protect residents from possible price increases during the crisis.

Authorities continue to monitor river systems and coastal areas and have urged residents in flood-prone communities to follow official advisories and evacuation instructions.