LGU ramps up measures vs. effects of dry spell

The City Government of Himamaylan is taking proactive steps to mitigate the impacts of the ongoing dry spell. As water sources dwindle, affecting thousands of residents and farmers, the local government is implementing several measures to provide relief and support.

Mayor Raymund Tongson is at the forefront of the city’s response, overseeing the distribution of financial aid derived from the city government’s standby El Niño fund and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation. These funds aim to assist the 75 farmer families across eight barangays who have suffered due to the harsh conditions.

The Himamaylan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reports significant agricultural losses, totaling PHP2,414,586, which has impacted 104.95 hectares of crops. Additionally, an estimated 8,507 families, amounting to 30,825 individuals, are experiencing difficulties with their water supply, as artisan wells have been affected by the drought.

In an ongoing effort, the CDRRMO and City Agriculture Office are closely monitoring the situation, updating data to tailor the city’s response to the evolving needs. In a practical initiative, the Office of the City Mayor has launched the MRTubig Express service, delivering potable water to households in need.

Mayor Tongson is actively involved in assessing the situation on the ground. On February 20, he conducted ocular visits to the barangays of Cabadiangan, Carabalan, Mahalang, and To-oy, aiming to evaluate community needs and devise immediate solutions. These visits were conducted alongside CDRRMO personnel, as well as staff from the City Social Welfare and Development Office and the Office of the City Mayor.

A significant aspect of the city’s response has been the provision of heavy-duty water hoses to Barangay San Antonio, enhancing the community’s ability to distribute water efficiently to clusters of homes.

In addition to local efforts, Mayor Tongson is reaching out to the provincial government and various agencies to ensure a coordinated response to the dry spell’s effects. This collaborative approach is crucial for pooling resources and expertise to combat the drought’s challenges effectively.