Opong initial damage in Masbate placed at P31.4-M

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- A total of PHP31.4 million worth of infrastructure assets were damaged by Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi) in Masbate province, according to an initial assessment report as of Sunday night.

In a social media post on Monday, Masbate Governor Richard Kho reported that 2,437 houses were destroyed and 9,006 were partially damaged.

"We also have 44,536 families or 157,849 individuals affected by Opong," he said.

The governor also said their province needs various assistance to cater to the needs of the people severely affected.

"What our municipalities need, first is water, generators in each municipality, third is food and non-food items, various sources of connectivity in our province, restoration of our electricity, communication lines, and road clearing for provincial, municipal, and barangay roads," he said in Filipino.

He said that with various interventions from the national and other local government units, some needs are now being addressed.

Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Bicol also recorded 9,966 families or 40,873 individuals who are still staying in different evacuation centers or with their relatives.

Seven flooding incidents and one soil erosion were reported, while 19 LGUs have power interruptions.

The OCD also recorded nine casualties and 15 injured that will be subject for validation of the Management of the Dead and the Missing cluster.

A total of PHP48 million worth of food and non-food items were provided to the different provinces in Bicol by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, OCD and other local government units. (PNA)

DESTROYED. A house in Poblacion, Batuan, Masbate was destroyed by Severe Tropical Storm Opong, which made landfall in Masbate on Sept. 26, 2025. Initial report said PHP31.4 million worth of infrastracture assests were damaged in Masbate province. (Photo courtesy of Engr. Jerome Martinez)