Zamboanga Sibugay under state of calamity due to drought

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Zamboanga Sibugay, known as the rice granary of the south, has been placed under a state of calamity as the dry spell continues to take its toll on the agriculture sector.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved on Tuesday the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council to declare a state of calamity and allocate P20 million to help mitigate the impact of the dry spell. 

Gov. Wilter Palma said the declaration would also pave the way for the immediate release of five percent of the province’s internal revenue allotment to be used as calamity fund. 

Palma said 11 of the 16 towns in the province have been experiencing the adverse effects of El Niño since January. 

Provincial agriculturist Aurelia Cababat reported that 2,872 farmers have been affected, with damage to crops initially placed at P75 million.

The regional office of the Department of Agriculture said close to P80 million in rice and corn crops were damaged in Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga City. 

The DA has yet to assess damage to agricuture that is also affecting vast areas in Zamboanga del Norte.

The state weather agency had earlier said a prolonged dry season is expected this year.