The local government of Sara in Iloilo recently declared a state of calamity in response to the El Niño phenomenon. This declaration, made after a special session by the Sangguniang Bayan, follows recommendations from the Municipal Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC). The MDRRMC highlighted critical water shortages and significant agricultural losses, reporting 35% damage in rice and 40% in corn fields, impacting over 2,000 farmers— the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist further detailed losses amounting to millions from rice and corn fields. With local resources insufficient to address the crisis and assist affected farmers adequately, the state of calamity aims to mobilize additional support. Sara becomes the first in Iloilo and fourth in Western Visayas to declare such a state, reflecting the severity of the situation.
Sara, Iloilo Declares State of Calamity Amid El Niño Crisis
