The Negros Occidental provincial government is “not considering a declaration of a state of calamity at the moment” despite the drought damage to crops in the province, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Sunday, April 14.
The El Niño drought damage to rice and corn hit P115,228,510 in 22 towns and cities of Negros Occidental last week, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist reported.
San Enrique last week declared a state of calamity amid the rising drought crop damage in the town.
Declaring a state of calamity will give the LGU access to funds for assistance to affected farmers, Lacson said.
On whether he would ask the Bureau of Soils and Water Management to reconsider its decision for no cloud in Negros Occidental, Lacson said “bear in mind the recommendation of BSWM is based on science. What we can do is ask if the conditions have changed”.
Lacson reiterated that the provincial government will give P2,000 each in assistance to farmers affected by the drought.*