QUEZON CITY — The Quezon City Government has declared a State of Calamity in response to the extensive flooding and destruction caused by Tropical Storm “Crising” and the intensified Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).
In a special session held on Tuesday, the Quezon City Council, led by Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, passed City Resolution SP-10181, S-2025, placing the city officially under a state of calamity. The move was made following the recommendation of the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (QCDRRMC).
The QCDRRMC confirmed that the city met the necessary criteria under NDRRMC Memorandum Order No. 60, s.2019. These include: more than 15% of the population affected, disruption of essential services and lifelines, implementation of preemptive and forced evacuations, ongoing rescue and relief operations, and substantial damage assessments.
With this declaration, both the city government and barangay units are now authorized to utilize their respective Quick Response Funds (QRFs) to accelerate relief and recovery efforts. The emergency funds will allow local officials to provide immediate assistance such as food and medical aid, support to evacuees, clean-up operations, and the securing of hazardous areas.
Vice Mayor Gian Sotto commended the prompt response of the City Council, emphasizing the importance of unity and compassion during times of crisis.
“Praise God, this swift action reflects our commitment to stand with our fellow QCitizens. We are working hand-in-hand with all city departments to ensure that every affected family receives the care and support they need. Let’s continue to pray for everyone’s safety, especially our frontliners,” he said.
Mayor Joy Belmonte also underscored the significance of empowering barangays, which are on the frontlines of response efforts.
“The State of Calamity declaration allows us to mobilize critical resources quickly—especially at the barangay level, where the needs are most urgent. Our barangay officials now have both the authority and the resources to act decisively for their constituents,” Belmonte said.
She noted that several barangays are now housing over a thousand evacuees each, while others continue to face serious disruption in services and infrastructure.
“We are intensifying our efforts, not only through citywide initiatives but by equipping our barangays to provide targeted, immediate assistance to the communities they serve,” she added.
As of July 22, more than 38,000 individuals—or 10,852 families—across 63 barangays have been impacted by the severe flooding. Many have been displaced from their homes, with public services and livelihoods also heavily affected.
The Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council remains on full alert and continues to coordinate search, rescue, and relief operations around the clock.