The Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has issued Proclamation No. 002 series of 2024, declaring a State of Calamity across the entire region as a response to the harsh impacts of El Niño.
According to data from the Bangsamoro Information Office, a total of 608 villages in BARMM have been affected by the drought.
In Lanao del Sur, 238 villages are affected, 160 in Maguindanao del Sur, 148 in Maguindanao del Norte, 62 in the Special Geographic Area, 41 in Sulu, and 31 in Tawi-Tawi.
Twenty-seven thousand fifty-three (27,053) farmers in the region also felt the effects of a severe dry spell. Approximately 25,766 hectares of crops, including rice, corn, cassava, vegetables, and fruits, have recorded a loss of 1,413,507,435.25 pesos.
Livestock farmers have also suffered, with 241 farmers facing losses exceeding 60 million pesos.
With the declaration of a State of Calamity, affected communities will receive assistance and interventions, including response operations and recovery endeavors.
Under Republic Act No. 11054, or the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the Chief Minister has the authority to declare a state of calamity in cases of natural disasters that pose threats to lives and properties in the region.
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