Last June 21, 2008, the Philippines has been badly hit by Typhoon “FRANK” (Fengshen). This raging typhoon brought misfortunes and worst, death to hundreds of Filipino people. It was reported that the typhoon unexpectedly shifted direction and unfortunately encountered MV Princess of Stars, a passenger ship from Manila bound to Cebu, in Romblon area. The ship tragically sank in the waters of Sibuyan, Romblon. Sadly, hundreds of passengers of this ship faced death in the open water. Eleven more sea mishaps were monitored at the height of the dreadful calamity.

Aside from this phenomenal tragedy, more unfortunate encounters with the typhoon “FRANK” were suffered by the people in different places in the country. The southwest monsoon associated with heavy rains induced by the typhoon triggered the occurrence of floodings, landslides, maritime incidents and power interruptions in most of the affected provinces. 19 road networks are rendered impassable to all types of vehicles due to collapsed bridges and washed out or cut-off roadway sections.

The latest report from the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) reveals a total of 821,931 families / 4,146,335 persons across 5,616 barangays in 405 municipalities and 53 cities. A total of 49 provinces in 15 regions are affected. 608 persons are reported dead (445 were identified and 163 were recovered bodies), 792 persons are injured and 36 are still missing. 354,118 houses are damaged. However, out of the overwhelming population affected, 543,872 families / 2,765,153 persons are already served both inside and outside the evacuation centers. The total estimated cost of damage to agriculture and infrastructure already amounted to P 11.545 Billion.