By PR, Helen Castaño | 01:43 PM May 22, 2024
The province of Bohol is placed under a state of calamity on Tuesday, May 21 because of the El Niño phenomenon.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) approved a Resolution based on the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) to put the province under a state of calamity because of the ill effects brought about by the prolonged dry season.
Larry Pamugas, acting provincial Agriculturist, said an estimated P420,842,864 in damage to agriculture has been reported due to the effects of El Niño.
Total crop damage was at P419,653,670.52 in 36 of 48 local government units. These were the towns of Dauis, Baclayon, Albur, Corella, Sikatuna, Sevilla, Loboc, Dimiao, Valencia, Garcia Hernandez, Jagna, Duero, Guindulman, Candijay, Mabini, Alicia, Pilar, Sierra Bullones, Carmen, Balilihan, Antequera, Maribojoc, Loon, Calape, Catigbian, Tubigon, San Isidro, Clarin, Sagbayan, Danao, Dagohoy, San Miguel, Trinidad, Getafe, Bien Unido, Ubay, and Carlos P. Garcia.
The fisheries sector has P756,900 damages reported from nine of the 48 towns.
In livestock, damage was reported at P433,294 in seven of 48 towns.
The National Irrigation Administration reported that water in dams are way below target for serviceable areas. Malinao Dam can only supply water for 350 hectares out of 4,150 hectares targeted to be serviced.
The other dams are similar in status with Bayongan at 1,030 out of 3,400 hectares, Capayas Dam 70 hectares out of 923 hectares, Talibon Dam at 143 out of 855 hectares and Benliw Dam at 160 out of 223 hectares.
“The criteria for calamity declaration has been met based on reports of the OPA,” said Anthony Damalerio, PDRRMO head, citing the requirement for 30% affectation of means of livelihood.
Agricultural damage could worsen as PAGASA projects the El Niño transition by June.
The hot and dry season remains even as El Niño is in its weakened state, Leonard Samar of PAGASA Bohol stated.
The province has been experiencing drought since March with rainfall still below normal this month, he added.
With the declaration of calamity, procurement can be processed with urgency to ensure that interventions are in place especially for affected farmers.
LGUs can also mobilize their respective 30% quick response funds. with reports from PIMO/LMS
