Isabela DRRMC eyes calamity declaration as drought damages crops
Isabela — The Isabela Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) is recommending that the entire province be placed under a state of calamity following major agricultural losses caused by the ongoing drought.
Council members said the declaration is necessary to quickly mobilize government resources and provide assistance to farmers whose crops have been severely affected by prolonged dry conditions.
Provincial PDRRM Officer Constante Foronda Jr. explained that declaring a state of calamity would allow the provincial government to access its Quick Response Fund (QRF)—equivalent to 30 percent of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund—to support relief efforts.
According to Foronda, the fund will be used to deliver immediate aid and implement intervention measures for farmers suffering crop losses.
Provincial Agriculturist Sergio Galamgam reported that 49,468.47 hectares of corn fields in Isabela have already been affected by drought conditions.
Of the damaged areas, around 14,489 hectares are in the vegetative stage, while 34,978.67 hectares are in the reproductive stage, putting a large portion of the crop at risk of significant yield losses.
Meanwhile, Ramil Tuppil, chief meteorologist of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) station in Echague, said that while occasional rain has been recorded, precipitation levels remain below normal. This has led to faster soil moisture loss and rising temperatures, which further stress crops.
The council’s recommendation will be submitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Isabela for approval.
If approved, the declaration will allow the provincial government to immediately roll out financial aid, agricultural support programs, and other relief interventions for farmers affected by the drought.
Local farmers welcomed the move. Rice farmer Macario Alipio said government assistance is vital in helping them recover from losses caused by the prolonged dry spell.
“We are thankful for this initiative. The government has been helping us during difficult times, and we appreciate being considered partners in ensuring food security,” he said.
Corn farmer Gerardo Agbisit also expressed gratitude for the swift response from authorities and hopes the proposed calamity declaration will soon be approved so assistance can reach affected farmers.
NPO News Team | Philippine Information Agency - PR
