President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a state of national calamity across the Philippines in the wake of catastrophic destruction caused by Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) and the looming threat of Supertyphoon Uwan (Fung-wong), which meteorologists warn could strike the country within days. The declaration, made on November 6, 2025, underscores the gravity of the situation as government agencies scramble to provide aid and brace for potentially even greater devastation.
According to Inquirer, President Marcos Jr. announced the emergency measure after presiding over a situation briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, following recommendations from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). "Because many regions have been affected, almost 10 regions, and 10 to 12 will be affected by Uwan, ...if that many areas are involved, with that kind of scope, then it’s a national calamity," Marcos told reporters, blending Filipino and English as he emphasized the scale of the crisis.
Typhoon Tino, which battered the Visayas starting November 3, left a trail of destruction rarely seen in recent memory. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) described the rainfall as a once-in-20-year event, with 24-hour rainfall totals peaking at 428 millimeters in Bagakay, Toledo City, and significant amounts recorded in Ilihan, Danao, and Mactan. These levels, Pagasa noted, "exceeded the 20-year return period," meaning such deluges are statistically expected only once every two decades.
The impact was almost immediate and overwhelming. Rivers and drainage systems, already under strain, could not contain the torrent, resulting in flash floods that submerged homes, farmlands, and entire communities. Southern Leyte was among the first to be hit, with floodwaters rising so rapidly that residents found themselves trapped, awaiting rescue teams who navigated waist-deep waters to reach them.
Cebu bore the brunt of the disaster, recording 93 deaths, while Negros Island reported 57 fatalities and 67 people missing—53 in Negros Occidental and 14 in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental. Nationwide, the NDRRMC confirmed at least 66 deaths and 26 missing as of November 6, with the total number of affected individuals surpassing one million. However, local disaster response officers and government units cited a higher death toll, reporting 150 fatalities by Thursday, according to Inquirer.
As the country struggled to recover, the threat of Supertyphoon Uwan loomed large. On November 6, Pagasa tracked Uwan at 1,985 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao, moving westward at 20 kilometers per hour and shifting toward the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR). Forecasts indicated that Uwan’s landfall over the Philippine landmass was “becoming more likely” during the weekend of November 8–9, raising fears of a double calamity.
"Of course, we won’t leave Cebu until everything is in place. It’s the same thing—we’ll do as much as we can to anticipate. Because if we anticipate well and prepare well, we can do a lot to lessen the impact," President Marcos stated, highlighting the administration’s commitment to both immediate relief and proactive preparation for the incoming storm.
To bolster relief operations, the Office of the President released 760 million Philippine pesos in direct aid to affected provinces and cities. The allocations ranged from 5 million to 50 million pesos per area, with the largest sums directed to the hardest-hit locations such as Cebu, Capiz, Surigao del Norte, Iloilo, Bohol, and Negros Occidental. Palace press officer Claire Castro detailed the breakdown, ensuring transparency and accountability in the distribution of emergency funds.
Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) sounded the alarm for local governments to ramp up preparations for Uwan. On November 6, the DILG ordered local officials to inspect roads and bridges, clear waterways and drainage systems, and stockpile relief supplies in anticipation of widespread flooding and landslides. "We cannot be caught off guard. LGUs must take all precautionary steps now—activate disaster councils, prepare evacuation sites, and warn at-risk communities," the DILG said in a statement quoted by Inquirer.
In the aftermath of Tino, the Philippine National Police (PNP) played a vital role in disaster response, with acting chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commending the Cebu Provincial Police Office for leveraging drone technology. The drones assisted in improving traffic management and public safety operations, a clear example of how technology is increasingly integral to disaster management efforts.
Health concerns quickly became paramount as thousands sought refuge in evacuation centers. On November 7, the Department of Health (DOH) escalated its response by raising a Code Blue Alert nationwide, as reported by Inquirer. This alert placed all DOH regional offices and facilities on heightened readiness, mandating the deployment of additional health personnel to evacuation centers and temporary health facilities in the most affected areas. Medicines, medical supplies, and mobile response teams were prepositioned to assist local government units, ensuring that medical needs would not be left unmet in the chaos.
The DOH Operations Center and Health Emergency Management Staff were activated for rapid coordination and emergency response. Notably, three Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Teams—recognized by the World Health Organization—stood by, ready to set up temporary hospital tents in hard-hit zones if necessary. Their presence underscored the international recognition of the Philippines’ emergency medical response capabilities and the seriousness of the unfolding crisis.
While government agencies coordinated relief and readiness efforts, the human toll was stark. Families mourned lost loved ones, communities grappled with destroyed homes and livelihoods, and uncertainty hung heavy as Uwan approached. The scale of the disaster prompted both local and international attention, with calls for solidarity and support echoing across the archipelago.
Yet, amid the devastation, stories of resilience and innovation emerged. The use of drones by the Cebu police and the rapid deployment of medical teams illustrated a growing emphasis on preparedness and adaptability in the face of climate-driven calamities. The government’s swift release of funds and the activation of emergency protocols reflected lessons learned from past disasters, as officials sought to minimize suffering and prevent further loss of life.
As the Philippines braced for a possible second blow from Supertyphoon Uwan, the nation’s response to Typhoon Tino offered a sobering reminder of the country’s vulnerability to extreme weather—and the critical importance of anticipation, coordination, and compassion in times of crisis.
