SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) -- The provincial government of Antique has allocated P10 million for its El Niño response as the province was placed under a state of calamity due to the severe effects of El Niño.

The amount will be taken from the province’s P30 million Quick Response Fund, while the remaining shall be reserved for other emergencies that may arise in the future.

Antique Gov. Rhodora J. Cadiao said that the P10-million budget will be used to provide assistance for severely affected sectors and procure mobile water tanks to deliver resources to areas experiencing water scarcity.

As of April 18, the towns of Sibalom, Anini-y, Laua-an, and Tobias Fornier have already declared a state of calamity in their jurisdiction, citing an agricultural crisis, water scarcity, and concerns for the well-being of their people.

The Provincial DRRM Office (PDRRMO) reported that total financial losses from agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture, and livestock have climbed to P225 million, with at least 7,048 affected farmers and fisherfolk.

According to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), the affected population has reached 58,179 individuals from 291 barangays throughout the province.

Moreover, due to the extreme heat and arid land, grass, rubbish, and related fire incidents have so far covered 119 hectares from 41 barangays, with property and livelihood losses amounting to almost P41 million.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) unanimously approved Resolution No. 351-2024, declaring Antique under a state of calamity due to El Niño and authorizing Gov. Rhodora J. Cadiao to utilize the Quick Response Fund (QRF).

As the El Niño phenomenon continues, local officials urge the public to conserve water, forgo backyard burning of garbage (pagpanutod) to prevent grass and related fires, and follow the advice and recommendations of the authorities. (AGP/BPS/PIA Antique)