8 Iloilo LGUs declare state of calamity due to El Niño

Eight local government units (LGUs) in the province of Iloilo have already declared a state of calamity due to the effects ofthe El Niño phenomenon.

According to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), the towns of Sara, Estancia, Bingawan, Dingle, Balasan, Lemery and San Dionisio and the component city of Passi are currently under a state of calamity.

PDRRMO Head Retired Colonel Cornelio Salinas said  the declaration enables the LGUs to use their calamity funds to mitigate the impact of El Niño.

Last week, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDDRMC) approved a resolution recommending the entire province be placed under a state of calamity.

Based on data presented by PDRMMO, the damage and losses to the province’s agriculture sector have reached P1.025 billion as of April 26.IMT