NEWSFLASH

MISAMIS ORIENTAL UNDER STATE OF CALAMITY DUE TO FLOODS

Manila, Jan. 8, 2000- President Joseph Estrada has placed the entire province of Misamis Oriental under a state of calamity. The province was affected by flash floods on Dec. 23, l999 and hundreds of residents were left homeless.

In Proclamation No. 225 issued on Jan. 3, the President declared the state of calamity in Misamis Oriental upon the recommendation of Secretary Orlando Mercado of the Department of National Defense, who is also chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC).

In his proclamation order, the President directed all departments and other government agencies concerned to implement and execute relief and rehabilitation work according to existing operational plans, directives and orders issued in connection with calamities.

The President also ordered concerned government agencies to safeguard the properties of residents who abandoned their flooded homes, and monitor the prices of prime commodities to prevent unscrupulous traders from engaging in profiteering at the expense of the people, especially the poor.

Under the existing NDCC guidelines, the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) will be mainly responsible for coordinating the relief and rehabilitation efforts in the affected areas in Misamis Oriental