BACOLOD CITY – Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson issued an executive order (EO) on Monday, Dec. 20, declaring a state of calamity in Negros Occidental due to the devastation caused by Super Typhoon “Odette.”

Lacson stated in the EO that based on the initial assessment of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), the super typhoon has caused 38 deaths, destruction of 3,764 houses and damaging of 16,477, and the devastation of agricultural crops and livestock in the province, with the numbers expected to rise as more reports are coming in and communication lines are repaired.

Lacson also said that numerous families have been greatly affected by the super typhoon in terms of damage to their dwelling, livelihood, agricultural and fisheries business.

As of Dec. 20, the province reported P5,982,947,301 worth of damage to properties, agriculture, and livelihood.

Of the said figure, agriculture was greatly affected with P4,445,050,801 worth of losses, followed by animal and livestock at P488,780,000 and food and nutrition at P327,768,300, and infrastructures at P201 million.

About 20,589 rice farmers were affected covering 20,995.88 hectares in 31 local government units (LGUs).

For corn, 446.60 hectares in 14 LGUs was affected, while for high value crop, 2,294.34 hectares in 18 LGUs was also affected.

Schools also incurred P268,331,200 worth of damage, damaged houses at P212,780,000, and destroyed homes at P13,635,000. Health also suffered P13,602,000 worth of losses, and seaports at P12 million.

“Due to the severity of Super Typhoon Odette’s destruction, there is an immediate need to declare a state of calamity across the province,” the governor said.

At least 181,110 people were displaced by the super typhoon, composed of 92,963 men, 88,147 women, 99,610 children, 15,575 older people, and 3,260 persons with disabilities (PWDs).

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, will convene on Tuesday, Dec. 21, to pass a resolution adopting Lacson’s EO to declare the province under a state of calamity.

Lacson, in his EO, implored the provincial board to include the release of the calamity fund in its resolution for the immediate assistance to those affected by the super typhoon which will greatly aid the rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts of the provincial government.

The provincial council was also implored to provide in its resolution that a price freeze on basic necessities and prime commodities be imposed over the province to curb predatory pricing by businesses and hoarding of goods.

Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte, along with Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go arrived in the province on Monday, to visit the southern part of the province, which was severely hit by the super typhoon, and extended aid to the affected Negrenses.