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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Isabela under state of calamity due to dry spell

Isabela under state of calamity due to dry spell

Published Mar 20, 2026 01:43 pm
CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela – This province is under a state of calamity due to the severe effects of a prolonged dry spell.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the declaration in Resolution No. 2026-A-02, Series of 2026, during their 7th Special Session at the Provincial Capitol in Ilagan City on Tuesday, March 10.
The resolution authored by Board Member Evyn Jay C. Diaz said corn production was affected by the drought, particularly those in critical stages of growth.
The Provincial Agriculture Office said that nearly 49,468 hectares of cornfield have been affected with an estimated yield loss of up to 80 percent and approximately P2.3 billion in damages.
The situation could worsen if not immediately addressed, the assessment and recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) said.
Following the declaration, Gov. Rodito Albano urged the immediate passage of a proposed Corn Tariffication Law in Congress to provide additional protection and benefits to corn farmers, particularly during severe drought conditions.
The provincial government assured affected farmers of assistance, including free seeds and fertilizers.
Albano said some corn farmers have been forced to sell their crops as silage after they failed to reach proper maturity, resulting in poor quality kernels. Silage used as feed for livestock such as cattle and carabaos has significantly lower market value than fully matured corn.
As a result, farmers were unable to recover their production costs, prompting them to call for government support through free farm inputs.
The governor added that he is coordinating with the Department of Agriculture for the distribution of free seeds and other forms of agricultural assistance to help farmers recover from their losses.

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