BY JEN BAYLON
BACOLOD City – The ongoing drought triggered by the El Niño phenomenon has caused crop damage in Negros Occidental, escalating to P97,788,037.45.
Data from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) further indicated that corn and rice fields have been the hardest hit in 135 barangays, affecting 2,585 farmers and resulting in a notable decrease in agricultural yields.
The drought, OPA said, has been a major concern, causing widespread distress among farmers in Western Visayas who rely on their crops for their livelihood.
The provincial government led by Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, through OPA, continues to closely monitor the situation in the province.
OPA said efforts are currently being made to provide assistance and support to the affected farmers and communities.
It added that the provincial government and relevant agencies and organizations are working together to address the crisis and minimize its impact on the local economy and food security./PN
