State of calamity (Philippines)
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State of calamity, in the context of disaster management in the Philippines, refers to a status that could be declared widespread within the country, or certain localities, in response to a destructive, natural, or man-made disaster. This measure allows the release of "calamity funds" allocated to local governments and control the pricing of basic commodities in the affected areas.[1]
Under the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (Republic Act 10121), a "state of calamity" is defined as "a condition involving mass casualty and/or major damages to property, disruption of means of livelihoods, roads and normal way of life of people in the affected areas as a result of the occurrence of natural or human-induced hazard".[1]
Declaring a state of calamity
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has the power to recommend to the president of the Philippines the declaration of a group of barangays, municipalities, cities, provinces, regions or the entire country under a state of calamity, and the lifting thereof, based on the criteria set by the NDRRMC. The president's declaration may warrant international humanitarian assistance as deemed necessary. A state of national calamity is effective until the president lifts it.[1]
State of calamity could also be declared or lifted by a local government unit's sanggunian or legislature, upon the recommendation of the local disaster risk reduction and management council (LDRRMC) concerned, based damage assessment and needs analysis.[1]
If a state of calamity is declared by the Philippine national government, the following measures will be imposed:[1]
- Appropriation for calamity funds
- Price freeze for basic necessities
- Granting of no-interest loans.
