May 2, 2024

Iloilo province, Philippines, nears state of calamity due to El Nino

The Philippines Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDDRM) endorsed a resolution proposing the declaration of a state of calamity for Iloilo province in response to the El Nino phenomenon, Philippine News Agency reported.

During the session, Cornelio Salinas, the Iloilo PDRRM officer, presented data indicating that El Nino-related damages had amounted to PHP 1.025 billion (US$17.7 million) as of April 26, impacting 88,764 farmers and fishermen.

Corn production incurred losses exceeding PHP 219 million (US$3.7 million), affecting 3,901 farmers, while the fisheries sector reported losses of PHP 17 million (US$294,000), impacting 295 fishermen. Additionally, 51 farms in the livestock and poultry category faced losses totalling PHP 200,000 (US$3,470).

Governor Arthur Defensor Jr, also the PDRRMC chair, emphasised the necessity of the declaration to access additional funds for implementing El Nino adjustment measures. He highlighted the potential benefits of the declaration during an interview.

One of the key measures under consideration is to shift focus towards agriculture practices less reliant on water, such as promoting animal-raising.

Salinas noted that three municipalities, Sara, Estancia, and Bingawan, have already declared a state of calamity, with Balasan, New Lucena, and San Dionisio expected to follow suit soon.

-      Philippine News Agency