April 25, 2024

Maguindanao del Sur, Philippines, declares state of calamity amid devastating drought

Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu, Governor of Maguindanao del Sur province, the Philippines, has issued a resolution declaring the entire province in a state of calamity due to significant agricultural losses caused by severe drought, affecting crops such as corn, Philippine News Agency reported.

In a statement, Governor Sangki-Mangudadatu expressed concern over the impact of the drought on the province's agricultural sector, reporting losses amounting to over PHP 345.9 million (US$5.9 million) across 5,601 farmers. The devastation has particularly affected crops such as corn, rice, banana plantations, as well as livestock, poultry, and freshwater fish.

The declaration of a state of calamity came after 20 out of the province's 24 municipalities reported extensive damage in agriculture, livestock, poultry, and inland fisheries. Among the heavily affected towns are Ampatuan, Buluan, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Datu Montawal, Datu Paglas, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, and Datu Unsay.

Additionally, towns including Gen SK Pendatun, Guindulungan, Mangudadatu, Pagalungan, Paglat, Pandag, Rajah Buayan, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, South Upi, Sultan sa Barongis, and Talayan have also suffered significant losses.

Governor Sangki-Mangudadatu highlighted the critical challenge faced by farmers in irrigating their crops, such as rice, corn, and vegetables, due to dwindling water sources caused by the absence of rainfall.

The neighbouring province of Sultan Kudarat, bordering Maguindanao del Sur, faced a similar situation and was placed under a state of calamity last week by the provincial disaster risk reduction and management council.

-      Philippine News Agency