Declaration of Kalinga under state of calamity under discussion: “It is our priority to respond to this fuel crisis... The council should come up with a proposal” - BM Lammawin

Tabuk City, Kalinga – The possible declaration of a state of calamity in Kalinga is now under discussion at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan amid the ongoing fuel crisis, with Board Member Camilo Lammawin Jr. emphasizing the need for responsive measures to cushion its effects on residents.

Earlier, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) submitted a resolution to the provincial board recommending the adoption of Presidential Executive Order No. 110, which declares a national energy emergency.

During the April 14 session of the Provincial Board, the resolution was unanimously referred to the Committee on Rules and Ethics for review of its legal implications and potential impact on key sectors in the province.

As part of the deliberation process, Vice Governor Dave Odiem suggested inviting Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (PDRRMO) Christian Luyaben to clarify the intent and implications of the proposal.

Luyaben attended the April 21 session, where he explained that the proposal goes beyond adopting the national energy emergency and leans toward declaring a state of calamity in Kalinga to enable a more effective response to the crisis.

He noted that several local government units (LGUs) in the country—including Ilocos, Baguio City, Iloilo, and Negros—have already declared a state of calamity to mitigate the impact of the fuel crisis.

According to Luyaben, the PDRRMC is currently awaiting inputs from municipalities and barangays to establish a stronger basis for such a declaration.

“To give you a view, there are many LGUs in the Philippines who have already declared a state of calamity in their areas—Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Their local Sanggunians have already declared a state of calamity, like Ilocos, Baguio City, Iloilo, and Negros. Adu ti nagdeklara. So nga idiay, Mr. Chair, ti purpose tayo koma, the declaration of state of calamity of the province. Ururayen mi lang dagitoy other LGUs, munisipyo, ken barangays, to give their basis also,” said Luyaben.

Board Member Jerome Chester Alunday, in response, sought clarification on the specific interventions that could be implemented should a state of calamity be declared.

“If we declare Kalinga under a state of calamity, anya ti kasla programs nga kaspangarigan?”, Alunday asked.

Luyaben explained that once a state of calamity is declared, the PDRRMC will convene to identify priority programs and determine how the province’s Quick Response Fund (QRF) will be utilized.

He disclosed that Kalinga has around ₱31 million in QRF for 2026 but noted that the amount may be insufficient, requiring careful prioritization. He added that proposed programs will be subject to approval by the provincial board.

“Nu agdeclare tayo nga state of calamity, agmeeting kami manen tapno maidentify diay pakausaran na didjay part of the QR. We have a ₱31 million QRF for 2026, and syempre irecommend tayo ah nga bassit lang daytoy nga pondo. So, nu agdeclare tayo nga state of calamity, agmeeting to manen daytoy council to come up dagijay priorities ken pakausaran diay part of the QRF. Which, nu nalpas didjay, ipresent mi to manen to this body, for your approval,” Luyaben said.

Amid the discussions, Board Member Lammawin underscored the urgency of government action, stressing that the fuel crisis is already affecting the prices of basic commodities and disrupting farming operations in the province.

He emphasized that immediate intervention is needed and suggested that the council come up with a concrete proposal to justify and support the declaration of a state of calamity.

“It is our priority to respond to this fuel crisis that is affecting the prices of basic commodities and even farming operations, our farmers. The council should come up with a proposal,” Lammawin said.

As of this writing, inputs from municipalities and barangays are still being awaited to strengthen the justification for the declaration. These local reports are expected to reflect the actual situation on the ground.