MANILA, Philippines – An Ifugao lawmaker called for the declaration of Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) as a “calamity area” to hasten the recovery of the region.
In urging the government to declare CAR as a calamity area, Ifugao Rep. Teddy Brawner Baguilat noted that there were casualties caused by Typhoon Lando (international name Koppu) as well as extensive damage to property, infrastructure and agriculture.
Baguilat said residents of Ifugao are severely affected when their livelihood such as crops were damaged by disasters as they solely depend on agriculture.
Based on the reports, crops in some parts of Alfonso Lista were destroyed, including the rice terraces in towns of Hungduan and Banaue. Three towns were also isolated due to landslides and road slips.
“We are still assessing the damage, but this early, we are calling for help, not just for Ifugao but for the other provinces in CAR,” Baguilat said.
The lawmaker has yet to complete his report on the damage.
Baguilat said he hopes that his call for declaration will urge the government to act and deliver assistance so that the province can fully recover easily.