(CNN Philippines) – Twenty-two barangays in Cotabato City were placed under state of calamity by the Sangguniang Panglungsod on Tuesday (April 21) due to heavy effects of dry spell.
Majority of the affected areas were farm lands and fishponds located in barangays Tamontaka and Kalanganan where farming has been stopped and most of the fish ponds are drying up resulting to very low production.
Based on the data released by the City Agricultural Services, about P17.868 million worth of damaged crops in almost 400 hectares of rice land have affected 300 farmers so far.
Barangay Kalanganan 2 recorded P2.2 million worth of damages in crops, the highest among the affected villages.
The city government, meanwhile, assured all affected farmers that it will extend all possible assistance to help.
Cotabato City Mayor Japal Guinai Jr. said they will provide palay and corn seeds including fertilizers to the affected farmers, while affected fisherfolks will also receive fingerlings, boats, and assistance. Each family also will receive a sack of rice.
