The town of Tadian, located in the western part of Mountain Province, has been officially declared under a state of calamity due to the extensive damage caused by Typhoon Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon. The decision to declare the town under a state of calamity was made following a recommendation by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC), which is chaired by Mayor Constito Masweng.
Extensive Road Damage Isolates Barangay Bantey
One of the most significant impacts of the typhoon was the severe damage to the infrastructure, particularly the road network. A more than 20-meter road cut occurred on the barangay road leading to Barangay Bantey, which subsequently led to a similar road cut on the Nacawang to Besao provincial road. This has left Barangay Bantey isolated from the rest of the municipality.
The situation has prompted Mayor Masweng to stress the urgent need for considerable financial support to address the issue. He highlighted the importance of restoring the damaged roads or rerouting the barangay road to ensure that residents regain access to essential services and other parts of the town.
"Barangay Bantey remains isolated to date, that is why we are trying our best to access whatever available funding support from the concerned government agencies to be able to construct the road leading to the said area," Mayor Masweng stated.
Challenges in Clearing Debris Due to Unstable Terrain
Mayor Masweng also pointed out the difficulties in clearing the debris caused by the road collapse. The instability of the mountain slope has made it challenging to carry out clearing operations safely. The risk to the safety of workers involved in the clearing process has further delayed efforts to restore access to Barangay Bantey.
The municipal government is currently waiting for a response from the Cordillera Region Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council regarding a proposal that was submitted earlier. This proposal aims to ensure the construction of an alternative road to Barangay Bantey, which is critical for the mobility of both residents and visitors.
Efforts to Secure Funding for Road Restoration
The declaration of a state of calamity is a crucial step in accessing the necessary funds to address the damages caused by the typhoon. Mayor Masweng expressed his gratitude to the municipal council and the MDRRMC for their prompt action in approving the request for this declaration.
"We are hoping that concerned government agencies will be able to provide the needed funds for the re-routing of the road," Mayor Masweng emphasized.
Tadian, classified as a fourth-class municipality, relies heavily on its share of the national tax allocation to fund its annual budget. The town's limited financial resources underscore the importance of support from various government agencies to implement high-impact development projects. These projects are essential for revitalizing the local economy and providing livelihood opportunities for the people of Tadian.
Mayor's Commitment to Accessing Additional Funding
As the town's local chief executive, Mayor Masweng is currently serving his second term and is determined to secure additional funding from both government and private sectors. He aims to complement the municipality's existing programs, projects, and activities with external support to ensure the town's continued development.
"The municipal government is doing its best to access whatever available funding support from both the government and the private sector to complement the programs, projects, and activities that have been included in the available budget of the municipality," Mayor Masweng remarked.
Moving Forward with Hope and Determination
The road to recovery for Tadian is fraught with challenges, particularly in restoring critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety of its residents. However, with the municipal government's proactive efforts to secure the necessary resources, there is hope that the town will overcome these obstacles and continue its path toward development and growth.
The declaration of a state of calamity not only highlights the severity of the situation but also marks the beginning of a concerted effort to rebuild and strengthen the community in the face of adversity.
