DUMAGUETE CITY -- Negros Oriental has been under the state of calamity ever since "Sendong" hit the province last year and thus there is no need to declare such with the onslaught of super typhoon "Pablo".

Capitol Information Officer Adrian Sedillo explained that the province’s state of calamity status has not been lifted yet after it was put in effect due to typhoon "Sendong" on December 17, 2011 and the magnitude 6.9 earthquake last February 6, this year.

According to Sedillo, the provincial government still has an estimated P6-million left of its calamity fund that could be used in the event “Pablo” leaves a trail of devastations behind.

But, Sedillo said that external donors and local government units from other parts of the Philippines would require another measure, such as a resolution that states the province is under a state of calamity, if the need arises for them to make donations in the wake of the super typhoon.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) on Monday approved P466,000 as a buffer fund for disaster mitigation as “Pablo” continues to pound the province of Negros Oriental with strong winds and intermittent heavy rains.

As of presstime, public storm signal no. 3 is hoisted over Negros Oriental.*PNA