The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has passed a resolution recommending declaring a state of calamity in the entire Province of Iloilo due to the prolonged dry spell that is taking a toll on the agriculture sector.

The resolution was passed during the 2nd quarter PDRRMC meeting presided by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. on April 29, 2024, at the Casa Real de Iloilo Grand Social Hall.

Defensor said the declaration would allow the provincial government to utilize its disaster fund for mitigation measures and quick response efforts.

“We need the declaration to access more funds for El Niño adjusted measures,” the governor said.

Based on the documented situational reports of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office ((PDRRMO), the province has incurred a total of P1.025 billion in damages in agriculture, with 88,764 farmers and fisherfolk affected.

Damage to rice totaled to P653.106 million; P219.192 million for corn; P136.606 million for high-value crops; P16.562 million for the fisheries sector; and P196,552 for livestock and poultry.

Three municipalities have already placed their areas under calamity – Sara, Estancia, and Bingawan.

Moreover, the council also passed a resolution to reprogram the PDRRM trust fund amounting to P215.5 million for several DRRM programs. (Capitol News)

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