The town of Lambunao in Iloilo has been placed under a state of calamity due to severe agricultural losses caused by a prolonged dry spell and the ongoing effects of the El Niño phenomenon.
The declaration was made through the passage of Resolution No. 2026-152 by the Sangguniang Bayan during its session on Monday, Nov. 9.
According to the council, the measure enables the local government unit (LGU) to utilize a portion of its P6-million Quick Response Fund (calamity fund) to roll out immediate relief and recovery programs for farmers.
The status also allows the LGU to formally request supplemental aid and resources from higher agencies, including the Iloilo Provincial Government and the Department of Agriculture.
Data from the Municipal Agriculture Office showed that the dry spell has already caused an estimated P46 million in agricultural damages.
A total of 1,763 hectares of farmland have been impacted, directly affecting 2,605 farmers—representing 37.8 percent of Lambunao’s farming population.
“The impact of the prolonged dry spell is significant,” the council said in a statement, emphasizing the urgency of LGU action.IMT
