THE Lapu-Lapu City Government has responded to public criticism regarding its decision to place the city under a state of calamity following Typhoon Tino.
In a Facebook live of Councilors Rufo Bering and Annabeth Cuizon shared by Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” Chan, the two lawmakers explained the rationale behind the declaration, which was approved through a resolution during the Council’s regular session on Wednesday, Nov.
5, 2025.
Bering chairs the City Council’s environment committee, while Cuizon heads the finance and social services committee.
While there were no fatalities or injuries reported in Lapu-Lapu City, the officials cited several reasons for declaring the state of calamity.
The following are their reasons: Disruption of livelihood and essential services, access to emergency assistance, price stabilization and monitoring, employee benefits, and infrastructure repair
and rehabilitation.
According to the councilors, many residents lost their sources of income and continue to face difficulties accessing basic utilities such as water and electricity.
They said the declaration enables affected individuals to apply for emergency loans and leaves.
It allows the government to prevent and control unwarranted price increases on essential goods, both said.
Workers who are unable to report for work due to the typhoon may also apply for Social Security System (SSS) benefits and reimbursement for
lost workdays.
The declaration, according to Cuizon and Bering, will also allow the City to allocate funds for the immediate repair of damaged public infrastructure.
The officials stressed that the declaration was made to accelerate recovery efforts and ensure timely assistance to residents affected by Typhoon Tino’s disruptions.
Social media posts by netizens earlier questioned the state of calamity declaration saying that the city does not have severe structural damage nor casualties.
They also pointed to the holding of the Fiesta League 2025 Basketball Tournament by the City Government after Typhoon Tino struck Cebu.
/ DPC