The provincial government of Isabela has said that 30,000 farmers have been affected by the dry spell currently affecting the province.
Vice Gov. Kiko Dy said over 30,000 hectares of cornfields were also affected and total damage may reach 60,000 hectares before the end of March.
The provincial government convened local chief executives on Monday, March 23, to address the problem at the provincial capitol in the City of Ilagan, Isabela, led by Gov. Rodito T. Albano and Dy, with House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III present.
Albano directed all municipal agricultural officers to immediately submit validated lists of affected farmers ahead of the scheduled visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday, March 26, in Ramon and Santiago City, Isabela.
The provincial government is coordinating closely with national agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Agriculture, to ensure swift delivery of assistance.
Albano assured farmers that aid has been prepared and validation is ongoing to ensure rightful distribution.
The province aims to complete validation on March 25 to allow the immediate release of assistance, with officials also considering a shift to direct cash aid instead of traditional seed subsidies for faster support.