Masbate placed under state of calamity after Typhoon Opong

Masbate has been placed under a state of calamity after Typhoon Opong caused widespread destruction and affected thousands of families.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved Resolution No. 164-2025 declaring the province under this state, based on recommendations from Governor Ricardo Kho and disaster councils.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported that 16,302 families, or 57,113 individuals, have been affected, with numbers still increasing.

This declaration allows the province to utilize quick response and calamity funds for relief, rehabilitation, and recovery efforts, and enables local governments to impose price controls on basic goods and provide access to no-interest loans.

All local government units in Masbate have been directed to extend assistance to affected communities.

The provincial declaration enables the immediate release of emergency funds and resources for relief and recovery operations.

An aerial survey confirmed extensive damage to both private and public properties across the province.

While people are reported to be safe, many houses have sustained significant damage.