ANTIQUE – The province of Antique has declared a state of calamity due to the impact of the El Niño weather phenomenon.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), during a virtual special session yesterday morning, approved the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) and passed Resolution No. 351-2024 that declared Antique under a state of calamity.
According to Vice Gov. Edgar Denosta, the resolution stated that the Quick Response Fund (QRF) shall be utilized to hasten the delivery of assistance in order to promptly reduce the adverse effects of El Niño to Antiqueños welfare, livelihood, and economy.
“The municipalities of Sibalom, Anini-y, Laua-an declared a state of calamity in their respective local government units, and necessitates the province of Antique to declare a state of calamity due to the adverse effect of the El Niño phenomenon,” read part of the resolution.
Damages in agriculture, fisheries and livestock due to El Niño have so far reached over P213 million, according to the PDRRMC.
Latest data from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) showed that 12,552 families, or 50,292 individuals, from 281 barangays in Antique were affected.
PDRRM Officer Broderick Train said the declaration of the state of calamity gave Gov. Rhodora Cadiao the authority to use the QRF to aid farmers affected by the weather phenomenon.
The PDRRMC is allocating an initial of P10 million for various purposes from the P30-million QRF.
This includes the procurement of movable water tanks for the PDRRMC, provision of food assistance, Aid to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) through the PSWDO, aid to farmers facilitated by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, and provision of fuel for essential services such as the Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection.
Cadiao earlier underscored the importance of coordinated efforts among partner agencies to ensure effective assistance delivery. She emphasized the need to avoid duplication of efforts and ensure that aid reaches those who need it most.
“Dapat man-an naton kung sin-o ginapanugru-an niyo agud nga mag-abot rugya hindi ron mag-double. Ang kwarta kang national government is being used and abused for personal interest. Ang distribution daad should go hand in hand with the status that we have regarding El Niño,” the governor added./PN
