PANDAN, ANTIQUE—With many communities in this province staggering from heavy rain, flooding, and storm surges for more than a week, the provincial board declared a state of calamity during a special session held on July 25.

The board passed Resolution No. 082-2025 (1) in response to the disastrous effects brought by the southwest monsoon or “habagat” enhanced by Tropical Storm “Crising” as recommended by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO). The state of Antique mirrors that of many other provinces in Luzon and the Visayas.

Three towns—Sebaste, Culasi and Barbaza—were among the worst-hit by the storm-enhanced habagat, which caused flash floods, soil erosion, and extensive structural damage, according to PDRRMO head Broderick Train. They were placed under a state of calamity by their municipal officials to authorize the release of funds for assistance to survivors.

As of July 24, 53 families whose houses had been destroyed or deemed unsafe were staying in evacuation centers, the office said.

“Crising” (international name: Wipha) left the country on July 19 and intensified into a tropical storm. It enhanced the southwest monsoon that brought heavy rain to Antique, the weather bureau Pagasa reported.

Light to heavy rains, floods and harsh sea conditions have persisted as two more storms, “Dante” (Francisco) and “Emong” (Com-ay) entered the Philippines’ area of responsibility on July 24 and 25, respectively, in northern Luzon.

In recommending the province-wide state of calamity, the PDRRMO said a total of 22,729 families (or 73,706 people) were affected in 242 barangays in 15 municipalities. No fatality was reported but four persons were still missing as of July 22.

Fifteen houses were destroyed and 139 were damaged, it said. In Hamtic, strong waves caused by a storm surge flattened at least 10 houses in Sitio Datu Sumakwel, Barangay Malandog.

Total cost of damage to infrastructure facilities—eight bridges, 24 flood control structures, seven seawalls, and 13 roads—was estimated at ₱610 million.

Flooding occurred in 11 municipalities: Culasi (30 barangays), Hamtic (12), Barbaza (10), Sebaste (9), Tibiao (7),  San Remigio (6), San Jose and Sibalom (3 each), Laua-an (2), and Bugasong (1).

Landslides were reported in 44 upland areas of 11 municipalities: Sebaste, San Remigio, Hamtic, Culasi, Barbaza, Tibiao, Patnongon, Laua-an, Bugasong, Sibalom and Tobias Fornier.

Agriculture and fisheries suffered losses estimated at ₱14 million, and livestock, nearly ₱1 million.

The provincial board’s resolution to declare a state of calamity authorized Gov. Paolo Javier to use ₱35 million of the quick response fund “for response, early recovery, and reconstruction operations,” said Board Member Fernando Corvera Sr.

Per the Philippine News Agency, another board member, Zoilo Bernardo Tubianosa, cited the necessity of procuring hygiene kits and medicines and seeing to the other needs of those affected, including the provision of clean water and food. —WITH A REPORT FROM STEPHEN LOUIE RAMOS CHECA