THE declaration of a state of calamity in Nueva Vizcaya following Super Typhoon Uwan’s destructive path is a necessary step toward recovery, but it’s also a sobering reminder of the vulnerability we all share in the face of nature’s fury. With damages exceeding P3 billion, the swift action of the provincial board, led by the commendable efforts of Board Member Eunice Galima-Gambol, deserves applause. This is not just a procedural move—it’s a lifeline for communities grappling with the aftermath.
Governor Jose Gambito rightly pointed out that while a national calamity declaration sets the stage, a local one empowers Nueva Vizcaya to act faster, smarter, and with more heart. Accessing calamity funds, enforcing price controls, and accelerating repairs are not just bureaucratic wins; they are pathways to restoring hope for farmers, families, and businesses hit hard by Uwan. The focus now shifts to implementation—ensuring aid reaches the most vulnerable, rebuilding infrastructure, and safeguarding agriculture, the province’s lifeblood.
But this moment calls for more than government action. It calls for unity. Communities, non-government organizations, and national agencies must rally around Nueva Vizcaya’s recovery. Let us turn this declaration into a movement for resilience, one that prepares us for future storms, not just reacts to them. The people of Nueva Vizcaya deserve swift relief, yes, but also a future where disasters shape stronger, not broken, communities. EDITORIAL
