By: Robin Caballero, Regional Correspondent

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan – The entire province of Bulacan has been placed under a state of calamity following widespread flooding caused by heavy southwest monsoon rains and high tides that submerged more than 100 barangays.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the declaration during an emergency session following the unanimous recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), led by Governor Daniel R. Fernando.

Continuous rains brought by the southwest monsoon, or Habagat, combined with high tides and backflow from major river basins, inundating several low-lying and coastal areas across the province.

Among the severely affected areas were Calumpit, Hagonoy, Paombong, Bocaue, Guiguinto, Balagtas and the City of Malolos.

Floodwaters in some riverbank communities reportedly reached two to six feet, leaving families stranded and forcing thousands of residents to seek refuge in evacuation centers.

Fernando said the declaration would allow the provincial government to accelerate relief operations, mobilize emergency resources and support the rehabilitation of infrastructure and livelihoods affected by the flooding.

“We need this declaration to immediately mobilize our quick response assets, deliver essential relief, and support our farmers and residents whose livelihoods have been severely disrupted by the floods,” Fernando said.

The provincial government may now tap its Quick Response Fund (QRF) for food packs, medical assistance and emergency transportation for affected communities.

An automatic 60-day price freeze on basic necessities and prime commodities will also take effect across Bulacan to help protect residents from possible price increases during the calamity.

Provincial disaster response teams and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) remain on heightened alert as relief operations continue in flooded communities.

The provincial government has also deployed amphibious transport to assist stranded residents and commuters in areas where floodwaters remain impassable.