April 8, 2024

El Nino damage to crops in Antique, Philippines exceeds US$2.4 million

The impact of the El Nino phenomenon on crops, including drought-resistant corn, in Antique province, Philippines, has resulted in damages totalling over PHP 141 million (US$2.4 million), Philippine News Agency reported.

Nicolasito Calawag, Provincial Agriculture Office chief, revealed that the extreme heat brought by El Nino had caused significant damage to corn crops across various municipalities in the province. Corn fields spanning 360.105 hectares, now in their reproductive to maturity stage, have been affected.

Calawag specified that the total damage to corn in municipalities like Barbaza, Patnongon, Hamtic, Sibalom, Valderrama, San Remigio, San Jose de Buenavista, Tobias Fornier, Tibiao, and Sebaste amounted to PHP 18.8 million (US$332,000).

Inland fisheries have also suffered drought-related damages, totalling PHP 2.6 million (US$45,900) in the towns of Bugasong, Hamtic, and Tobias Fornier.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will extend assistance to inland fish farm owners.

Plans to utilise the provincial government's PHP 20 million (US$353,000) Quick Response Fund to aid affected farmers will be expedited upon the declaration of a state of calamity, with Sibalom being the first town to receive such designation because of El Nino.

-      Philippine News Agency