The municipality of Lope de Vega in Northern Samar was placed under a state of calamity on Wednesday, amid the widespread impact of El Niño now affecting agriculture, livelihoods, and residents’ health.
Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 15-120 declared the state of calamity, as local officials sought to mobilize resources and provide aid to communities affected by prolonged dry conditions.
Municipal records showed that about 917 farmers were affected by El Niño, with agricultural losses estimated at ?27 million involving 269.65 hectares of farmland.
The agricultural damage has placed additional pressure on farming families who depend on their crops for food and income, as prolonged dry conditions reduce water availability and threaten agricultural production.
The municipality also reported 114 cases of diarrhea, including four deaths, which authorities have linked to the adverse effects of El Niño.
The health situation of communities also raised concern, particularly as reduced water availability can affect sanitation, hygiene, and access to safe water.
A state of calamity declaration allows the local government to mobilize available resources and funds for emergency response, relief, and recovery efforts, particularly for affected families, farmers, and communities.
Under Republic Act No. 10121, or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, local government units can undertake disaster preparedness, response, recovery and rehabilitation measures and mobilize resources when communities are affected by disasters and emergencies.
For Lope de Vega, the declaration is expected to facilitate measures addressing the immediate needs of affected residents and support efforts to mitigate the continuing effects of El Niño.
These include assistance for affected farmers, support for agricultural recovery, interventions addressing water and health concerns, and strengthened coordination among government agencies and other stakeholders.
The declaration comes as Northern Samar continues to monitor the worsening effects of El Niño, with provincial and municipal authorities assessing agricultural damage, declining water sources, and other threats to communities.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has warned that the prevailing El Niño could persist into 2027, prompting local governments in the province to strengthen preparedness and response measures against prolonged dry conditions.