Pascual pushes for declaration of calamity areas in barangays affected by El Niño

COUNCILOR Jay R. Pascual on Monday proposed a resolution declaring various hinterland barangays under a state of calamity.

During the regular session presided over by Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin V. Uy, the councilor reported about the present plight of farmers of the said barangays who are affected by the El Nino phenomenon.

“Because of the scarcity and lack of water supply in upland barangays, residents are now pleading for assistance from the government since their source of livelihood can no longer provide for their daily needs,” he cited.

The dry spell had seriously damaged not only a number of crops and vegetations but also farm animals like pigs, cows, goats and the like, he added.

As the matter was duly noted and considered as urgent, Vice Mayor Uy urged affected barangays to pass their respective resolutions declaring a state of calamity in their respective jurisdictions.

Along with the barangay resolutions, endorsements from the City Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Department (CDRRMD) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) should also be submitted to the City Council for proper disposition, he added.

Councilor Pascual assured that he will gather and consolidate the list of crops and livestock and other pertinent documents to support the barangay resolutions.

The matter was referred to the committee on barangay affairs chaired by Councilor Yan Lam S. Lim for coordination and other appropriate action. (SP/JAO)