Maguindanao del Sur Declares State of Calamity Amid Severe Dry Spell

On April 24, 2024, the province of Maguindanao del Sur in the Philippines declared a state of calamity due to the effects of a severe dry spell caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon. The prolonged drought has resulted in significant losses to crops and livestock, estimated at nearly P346 million (approximately $6.5 million).

According to local officials, 20 out of the 24 towns in Maguindanao del Sur have been heavily impacted by the dry spell, with nearly 6,000 farmers losing their livelihoods. The drought has substantially affected corn and rice farms, banana plantations, livestock, and poultry. The supply of fresh water fish has also been affected.

Maguindanao del Sur is the second province in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to declare a state of calamity due to the drought, following Basilan province, which reported P315 million in agricultural losses. The BARMM's Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has placed the region under a 'blue alert' status, activating the Bravo Emergency Preparedness and Response Protocol to address the situation.

Why this matters: The severe dry spell in Maguindanao del Sur and other parts of the Philippines highlights the devastating impact of climate change on agriculture and rural communities. The declaration of a state of calamity emphasizes the pressing need for effective disaster risk reduction and management strategies to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events and ensure food security.

The declaration of a state of calamity in Maguindanao del Sur is part of a broader situation in the Philippines, where a total of 103 cities and towns across the country have been placed under a state of calamity to the El Niño phenomenon, affecting 2.116 million people, including farmers, fishermen, and their dependents. President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. has assured that the country's rice supply remains sufficient despite the drought and dry spell, and the government is providing assistance to the affected communities and sectors.

Key Takeaways

• Maguindanao del Sur in Philippines declared state of calamity due to severe drought
• Drought caused P346 million in agricultural losses, affecting 6,000 farmers
• Bangsamoro region placed under 'blue alert' to address the crisis
• 103 areas across Philippines under state of calamity due to El Niño drought
• Government assures sufficient rice supply despite the crisis, provides assistance