Isabela under state of calamity over prolonged dry spell

BAGUIO CITY — The provincial government of Isabela has placed the entire province under a state of calamity amid a prolonged dry spell that has battered farm output and threatened livelihoods.

The state of calamity declaration, approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan during its 7^th Special Session at the Provincial Capitol in Ilagan City, came after reports of widespread crop damage and mounting losses among farmers due to persistent lack of rainfall.

The state weather bureau defines a dry spell as three consecutive months of below-normal rainfall, or two months of way-below-normal rainfall, conditions now being experienced across the province.

The resolution, sponsored by Board Member Evyn Jay C. Diaz, cited data from the Provincial Agriculture Office showing that about 49,468.87 hectares of standing corn crops — currently in critical vegetative and reproductive stages — have been severely affected by the dry conditions.

Provincial agriculturists warned that corn farmers could suffer up to 80% harvest losses, equivalent to at least P2.3 billion in damages this cropping season, with losses expected to rise without urgent intervention.

The declaration was backed by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council after its assessment confirmed the widespread impact on agriculture and livelihoods. — Artemio A. Dumlao