Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 303)
The purpose of Proclamation No. 303 is to declare a state of national calamity in response to the devastating rains and floods caused by Typhoon Sendong (Washi) to facilitate immediate rescue, recovery, relief, and rehabilitation efforts.
Regions VII, IX, X, XI, and the CARAGA region were specifically mentioned as severely affected by Typhoon Sendong.
The President exercises powers vested by law to declare a state of national calamity to mobilize government agencies and local government units for disaster response and management.
The declaration enables the government to effectively control the prices of basic goods and commodities in the affected areas to prevent price gouging.
Republic Act No. 10121, also known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, is mentioned as the basis for implementing mechanisms for international humanitarian assistance.
Local government units are given latitude to utilize their calamity funds for rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts for their constituents.
All departments and government agencies concerned are directed to implement medical assistance, relief, and rehabilitation work.
Affixing the seal signifies the formal and official nature of the proclamation as an executive act of the President of the Philippines.
Paquito N. Ochoa Jr., the Executive Secretary, signed the proclamation by authority of the President.
The international codename of Typhoon Sendong is Washi.