Cebu Declared Under State of Calamity Due to P176.8 Million in Agricultural Damages

CEBU, Philippines — Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has declared Cebu province under a state of calamity following significant damage to agriculture resulting from the El Niño phenomenon. The declaration came as reports from 32 of the province’s 50 local governments indicated a combined loss of PHP 176.8 million in crops and livestock.

According to Philippines News Agency, the decision aims to facilitate support for the agricultural sector severely impacted by the adverse weather conditions. However, she emphasized that the declaration is not meant to provide direct financial aid to residents but to acknowledge the scale of the crisis and coordinate recovery efforts effectively. “The culture we wish to nurture in the entire province of Cebu is not a culture of mendicancy,” she stated.

Capitol records updated as of May 16 show that the ongoing El Niño has affected approximately 12,312 farmers and fisherfolk across 3,179.32 hectares. In response, Garcia announced plans to issue an executive order outlining the parameters for providing assistance to the affected agricultural workers.

The Provincial Board is also expected to endorse the governor’s calamity declaration through a resolution set for passage on May 20.