MANILA – The declaration of a State of Calamity in Ompong– and habagat-hit areas will help manage expectations on inflation, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.

“We are getting ready to respond to the possible impact of the calamity on our macroeconomic targets. The declaration of a State of Calamity in the affected areas is one measure that will enable the government to use contingent credit lines and mitigate rising inflation,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed on Thursday Proclamation Number 593 s. 2018, declaring a State of Calamity in Regions I, II, III and the Cordillera Administrative Region.

The Proclamation states that declaring a State of Calamity in these areas will provide a basis for price control measures that can mitigate the economic impact on affected populations. It will also effectively provide the government ample leeway in utilizing funds for recovery and rehabilitation efforts, as well as delivery of basic needs and services.

The Proclamation also states that the declaration of a State of Calamity will hasten the rescue, recovery, relief, and rehabilitation efforts of the government and the private sector, including any international humanitarian assistance.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, of which NEDA is Vice Chair for rehabilitation, recommended to the President through a resolution the declaration of State of Calamity after a special full council meeting last September 20.

Among the matters considered in the recommendation for the declaration of State of Calamity were the human casualties and effects on livelihood, roads and bridges, agricultural products, and lifelines, including electricity, potable water system, transport, communications and other related systems, brought by the recent disaster.