DECLARING A STATE OF NATIONAL CALAMITY

WHEREAS, the devastating rains and
floods caused by, typhoon “Sendong” (international codename: Washi)
have brought death, destruction, and incalculable damage to the lives
and properties of Filipinos;

WHEREAS, due to
the severe gravity of the damage, particularly in Regions VII, IX, X,
XI, and the CARAGA, the government is spearheading the entire nation’s
efforts to undertake immediate rescue, recovery, relief and
rehabilitation;

WHEREAS, a declaration of a
state of national calamity will hasten the rescue, relief and
rehabilitation efforts of the government and the private sector,
including any international humanitarian assistance, and will
effectively control the prices of basic goods and commodities for the
affected areas; 

WHEREAS, this
declaration also necessitates that the mechanisms for international
humanitarian assistance are implemented pursuant to Republic Act No.
10121; and

WHEREAS, such declaration will
further afford the local government units ample latitude to utilize
their calamity fund for the rescue, relief and rehabilitation of their
constituents.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, President
of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in
me by law, hereby declare a state of national calamity.

All
departments and other government agencies concerned are hereby directed
to implement and execute medical assistance, relief and rehabilitation
work in accordance with existing operational plans and directives and
orders issued in connection with the occurrence of calamities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 20th day of December, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Eleven.

(Sgd.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
President of the Philippines

By authority of the President:

(Sgd.) PAQUITO N. OCHOA JR.
Executive Secretary