Antique mulls El Niño state of calamity

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Antique Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has recommended to the provincial board the declaration of a state of calamity in response to the ongoing impacts of the El Niño phenomenon.

The PDRRMC approved a resolution following an emergency meeting on Monday, April 15. It will submit its recommendation for the provincial board for consideration during its regular session next week.

If approved by the provincial council, the PDRRMC can utilize its quick response fund amounting to P30 million to assist affected communities.

A report from the Antique Public Information Office stated that P10 million of the total budget will be used in acquiring movable water tanks, providing food assistance, support affected farmers and fisherfolk, and cover fuel expenses for fire trucks used in water transportation to barangays.

In its recommendation, the PDRRMC highlighted the state of calamity declarations of the towns of Sibalom, Anini-y, and Laua-an on March 13, March 27, and April 12, respectively.

According to data from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, 12,552 families, totaling 50,292 individuals across 281 barangays in the province, have been affected by El Niño.

Based on the latest report of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Antique reported a production loss of P130 million from 299 hectares of totally damaged croplands and 2,534 hectares that are partially damaged,

Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among partner agencies to ensure the efficient delivery of assistance to affected communities.

“We must ascertain whom we are targeting so that assistance does not overlap. The funds from the national government are being utilized and, unfortunately, sometimes exploited for personal interests. The distribution process should align closely with the current status of the El Niño phenomenon,” she said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration forecasts drought conditions to persist in the provinces of Western Visayas until May.