Mainit in State of Calamity 2009

The Local Government of Mainit has declared yesterday that the municipality is in a state of calamity due to continuous rains starting early this week which caused flooding (guob) of certain communities around Lake Mainit. According to Fr. Rey Maldo, Mainit Catholic Priest, the total number of evacuees has already reached around 140 families (or around 700 individuals) from the poblacion area alone, mostly from the BLISS Housing Community in Purok Rosal. The evacuees are currently housed at the Quezon Elementary School (80 families) and Catholic Pastoral Council (60 families).

Councilor Nonong Behagan sent last night the photo below showing that the Lake water has already covered the Lake Mainit park (including the newly constructed swimming pool). Weather forecast says that continuous heavy rains will continue until next week. In fact, PAGASA projects that this bad weather caused by the Northeast Moonsoon (Amihan) will likely continue until mid-February. With this, the lake will still likely to grow, which will further affect more families and individuals.

Damage to properties is still to be assessed. I still have to hear the situations in Barangay Magpayang, Roxas, Mabini, San Isidro, Matin-ao, Tolingon, San Francisco, Mansayao, Tapian, and Tagbuyawan - all coastal barangays of Mainit.

(Click photo to enlarge)


The declaration of the state of calamity will allow the LGU access to the Municipal Calamity Funds worth 5% of the total LGU budget or around P2 million. Current release is reported to be around P300,000.

Vice Mayor Nonoy Mosende has joined yesterday the Philippine National Red Cross in visiting the evacuation centers and assessing the relief requirements. They have initially identified top priority families who need shelter and food. Eventually they will dwell on identifying livelihood assistance.

With the request of Fr. Rey Maldo and Sr. Juliet Banjao, and together with the Tambayong Mainitnon Incorporated (c/o Mana Magnette Labrador and Mana Inday Dimaampao), the Kasama Ka, will coordinate a solicitation drive here in Manila and abroad to assist the relief operations. Fr. Rey says that currently they have enough supplies for around a week. But since we know that the flooding (guob) subsides after around a month or two, relief operations is needed at least for a month.

I have contacted friends from the relief operations of the NASSA-CBCP who has also helped us in 2006 by donating 50 sacks of rice (see list of donors here). Fr. Rey will send requests to NASSA-CBCP through the Surigao Diocesan Social Action Center headed by Fr. Lolong Ramada.

If you want to send in your donations or refer a person or institution/agency whom we could send a solicitation letter, please contact me via email at pidjangaATgmailDOTcom. or through text at 0917-800-4557.

Photo: Councilor Al Rodin Behagan
Jan 16, 2009