THE 13th City Council, led by Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, urgently declared a State of Calamity across 27 flooded barangays in Manila during a special session to expedite relief efforts for residents affected by recent Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) rains and severe flooding.
Following directives from Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, the city council passed Resolution No. 5, Series of 2026, sponsored by Majority Floor Leader Raymundo “Mon” Yupangco.
The legal mechanism allows local government units to immediately access and release local calamity funds.
The declaration covers Barangays 101, 105, 195, 199, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 292, 313, 314, 327, 330, 432, 598, 600, 602, 607, 649, 686, 738, 800, 893, 894, 895, and 903.
Yupangco emphasized the necessity of prompt action, noting that the resolution provides immediate resources to vulnerable communities.
Vice Mayor Atienza commended Mayor Isko’s leadership and praised local agencies for their rapid response in clearing drainage pathways and managing floodwaters, which caused water levels to subside faster than in previous years.
The presiding officer noted that health centers were supplied with leptospirosis preventive medication and city offices remained open to ensure continuous public service.
Councilors Jaybee Hizon and Elmer Par explained that continuous drainage maintenance helped control the situation, though extreme rainfall combined with river levels and dam water releases exacerbated the flooding.
Councilor Lou Veloso on the other hand called for stricter penalties for improper waste disposal, while Councilor DJ Bagatsing noted faster flood drawdown in traditionally vulnerable areas like Sampaloc.
To access calamity funds for hot meals, medical supplies, and basic relief goods, designated representatives from the listed barangays must secure a certified true copy of Resolution No. 5 from the City Council Secretariat before submitting it to the Budget Office.
Atienza added that unlisted barangays needing assistance may seek certification through the Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) for subsequent fund approval.
