The Negros Occidental provincial government does not need to declare a state of calamity since it still has available funds to assist farmers affected by the drought, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Friday, April 19.
The provincial government still has P8 to P10 million available for assistance to farmers, he said.
Drought damage to rice and corn crops in 25 towns and cities of Negros Occidental was P184,764,120 affecting 4,739 farmers, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist reported on Thursday.
When you declare a state of calamity there are certain funds that can be used, the governor said.
That is why Kabankalan City and San Enrique declared states of calamity so they can assist their affected constituents, he said.
Lacson said he suggested to San Enrique Mayor Jilson Tubillara that the provincial government distribute its assistance along with the town government so the farmers can get bigger amounts.
The provincial government is giving P2,000 to each affected farmer.*