No rice shortage in Iloilo despite El Nino: Defensor

There is no rice shortage in the province of Iloilo despite the effects of the El Niño phenomenon, according to Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr.

In an interview, Defensor said the province has sufficient supply of rice to meet the consumption needs of its population.

In fact, the governor noted that Iloilo has been supplying rice to its neighboring provinces.

Based on data from Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Iloilo suffered more than P473 million worth of damage due to El Niño as of April 2.

The town of Dumangas incurred the most damage amounting to about P120 million, followed by Barotac Nuevo, P67 million; Anilao, P52 million; Cabatuan, P42 million; and Banate, P39 million.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the worst effect of El Niño will be felt in the country this April.IMT