The municipal agriculture office (MAO) of Pio Duran, Albay, reported on Tuesday, March 12, that the prolonged dry period in the region harmed a substantial 1,300.11 hectares of affected agricultural land within the municipality.
Over eight barangays in Pio Duran were grappling with dry spells brought by El Niño, including Lawinon, Caratagan, Banawan, La Medalla, Barangay 1, Malidong, Buenavista, and Salvacion.
Engr. Aaron Israel Losabia, the municipal agriculturist, revealed in an interview that water supplies in the area are rapidly drying up, leaving approximately 1,625 farmers with limited options to sustain their agricultural operations.
“We have initiated a state of calamity declaration because the largest irrigators association dam has completely run out of water. We are expediting the resolution to address this matter with the sangguniang bayan and the MDRRMO to declare a state of calamity,” Losabia said.
Furthermore, he emphasized the urgent need to closely monitor the severe effects of the drought and intensified a call for an immediate response from both the main and other related agencies to address the challenges faced by the affected farmers.
“Grabe kasi ‘yong epekto ng El Niño ngayon, eh. Iyong mga farmers natin nagrereklamo na rin kaya nag-initiate na rin kami na mag report ng drought kasi naghihintay kami sa announcement ng Pagasa. Wala…mahirap naman i-pronounce ng LGU [pero] kung makikita niyo sa mga rice field namin kahit umulan, bitak-bitak pa rin ‘yong (farmlands),” he added.
The local government unit of Pio Duran is still waiting for the pronouncement of the Pagasa in order for them to implement a comprehensive plan with regards to the issue and assess the extent of the damage to the affected farmers in the municipality. | Lyzha Mae Agnote
Photos: Pio Duran MAO