The El Niño phenomenon damage to agriculture in Western Visayas has hit P689,875,313, Cindy Ferrer, Office of Civil Defense 6 spokesperson, said Monday, March 11.
The worst hit is Iloilo province with damage at P486,124,070, followed by Antique – P115,773,127, Negros Occidental – P55,088,956, Aklan – P30,187,159 and Capiz – P2,702 as of March 6, she said.
The farmers and fisherfolk affected are 18,402, Ferrer said.
She said in Negros Occidental, Himamaylan City has reported a water shortage in six barangays. The city government has augmented the water needs of residents in the area with the use of firetrucks.
The OCD is meeting with other agencies on Tuesday to discuss whether there is a need to declare a state of calamity in Western Visayas, she said.*