Update: If you want to follow the storm real-time, please click this: Digital Typhoon

With the possible onslaught of Typhoon Pepeng (International name: Parma), the Philippine government placed the whole nation under national state of calamity. This will help the local government units to have an access in their calamity resources and to make necessary steps in order to prevent casualties from this incoming storm.

As of 6PM October 2, 2009; here is the current position of Typhoon Pepeng (from The Weather Channel):

In an article from GMAnews.tv, 2 points were made clear with the declaration of the national state of calamity. First is the calamity funds:

Deputy presidential spokeswoman Lorelei Fajardo said Mrs. Arroyo does not want a repeat of the “Ondoy” tragedy where many local governments were caught flatfooted.

“Gusto (ni presidente), maging proactive tayo para sa preparation pa lang, kung sa tingin nila may kailangan na equipment for preparedness pwede nila gawin ngayon (The President wants us to be proactive in preparing. If the local governments think they need funds for this or that, they are empowered to do so now),” Fajardo said in an interview on dzBB radio.

In a telephone interview with GMANews.TV, Fajardo also explained that a state of national calamity could pave the way for rich cities to easily use their calamity funds to help poor areas that were devastated by tropical storm “Ondoy” last Sept. 26 to 27.

Then the possible price controls to prevent opportunists from raising their prices or sabotage the much needed goods:

Remonde said the declaration was also made “para mas epektibo ang implementasyon ng price control of basic commodities (The declaration will also allow for the effective implementation of price control of basic price commodity).”

During the Cabinet meeting, Trade Secretary Peter said market administrators have been ordered to ensure that proper prices on basic goods are in place.

Favila said they are also looking into the possibility of including under price control some non-basic commodities like construction materials and funeral services.

As of this moment, there has been calls for preemptive evacuation in the areas that will be possibly affected by typhoon Pepeng. Especially in the Laguna de Bay area, the measured water level is threatening to break the 90 year old record for the lake = 14.5 meters deep. At this height, the levels are disastrous enough for the nearby barangays in the lake. Reports have stated that most of the barangays situated in the Laguna de Bay are still flooded and with the threat of Typhoon Pepeng, it has been predicted that water levels will still continue to rise.

It is strongly advised for the people to make preparations for the storm (store food, light, charge your cellphones, water) before Pepeng can caught us unprepared. Keep safe peeps!

DISASTER EMERGENCY HOTLINES YOU CAN CALL:

These are the hotlines that our citizenry can call for disaster emergency situations, especially urgent rescue and relief needs.

National Disaster Coordinating Committee
911-1406
911-1873
911-1906
911-5061
912-0984
912-2665
912-3046
912-5296
912-5668

Help hotlines:
734-2118
734-2120

Bureau of Fire Protection, National Capital Region
729-5166
410-6254
413-8859
407-1230

Bureau of Fire Protection, Region III (Central Luzon)
Hotline (045) 9634376

Philippine Coast Guard
527-6136

Red Cross
143
911-1876
527-0000

Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA)
136
896-6000

Taguig emergency hotline
1623

Meralco
16220
0917-5592824
0920-9292824

Here’s an informational video about surviving storms and hurricanes – disaster preparedness.

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silver is the blogger behind Dare to Speak Out, a personal and commentary blog.She graduated with a degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. She posts blogs that ranges in different topics – from trivial to the political. She currently works as a freelance writer.