Albay town eyes declaring state of calamity due to El Niño

The local government of Pio Duran, Albay, is considering placing the town under a state of calamity due to the adverse effects of El Niño, particularly on the agriculture sector.

According to local government data, approximately 1,232 hectares of farmland have been impacted adversely by the scorching heat.

Out of the 33 barangays in Pio Duran, 28 have reported damage, affecting around 1,565 farmers.

The estimated cost of agricultural losses has reached P82 million.

"Yung palay talaga ang pinakagrabe, yun ang number one na resources naman dito sa Pio Duran... 28 barangays na [may] mga farmers ang nandun, talagang kawawa," Councilor Gina Peralta-Elorde, Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture in LGU Pio Duran, said.

In response, the local government plans to declare a state of calamity in the municipality to provide more substantial assistance to the farmers affected.

"Kaipuhan talaga na magdeclare ki state of calamity an samuyang banwaan, ta arug kayan dakulon ng apektadong mga farmers, siyempre dae na ki mga tubig, anu pa man dae na sinda kukuanan nin panghanapbuhay," Mayor Alan Arandia said.

Meanwhile, aside from addressing agricultural concerns, the local government is also focused on addressing the water supply shortage affecting households.

Residents are just waiting for water rationing from the LGU.

"Basta ganun ang panahon, talagang apektado, pag tag-uran dae naman," Vlandino, a resident, said.

"Walang tubig, apektado na siguro ng tag-init," Armando, another resident, added. —GMA Regional TV