Farmers in Oriental Mindoro brace for Opong onslaught

Some farmers in Oriental Mindoro expressed worry about the possible impact of Severe Tropical Storm Opong, as some flood control projects cannot be located in one barangay.

According to Bea Pinlac’s Wednesday report on “24 Oras,” the farmers in Barangay Apitong in Naujan said months' worth of hard work may go to waste if their rice fields are affected by Opong.

“Marami pong hayop, palayan. Unang una talaga palayanang nadidisgrasya. Kaya ang mga tao ay talagang dumadanas ng paghihirap lalo na sa panahon ngayon may darating na naman na bagyo. Mawawalan na naman kami ng hanapbuhay,” farmer Alan Morada said.

(Many animals are affected, but mostly rice fields. The people are experiencing hardship, especially now that another storm is coming. We will once again lose our livelihood.)

He added that with the recurring flooding, it’s difficult not to be angry about the alleged ghost flood control projects in their barangay.

During the Department of Public Works and Highways’ visit to the area, three flood control projects could not be located, which were funded in 2024 and declared complete.

These projects are the P300-million dike and esplanade project in the Panggalan River, the P250-million dike project, and another P200-million dike project.

“Talagang nakakapaghihinakit at nakakasama ng loob kaya lang kaming maliliit, wala kaming magawa gawa nang nasa kanila ang kapangyarihan. Ang nangyayari sa amin nagiging kaawa-awa ang maliliit na katulad namin na walang hindi inaasahan kundi makisaka o may palayan,” Morada said.

(It’s painful and disheartening, but since we’re just ordinary people, there’s nothing we can do because the power lies with them. Ordinary people like us are pitiful, left to farm others’ rice fields.)

According to a barangay official, a flood control project would be a big help in their area.

“Sobrang pangamba po kaya nga kami nag-request ng flood control project. Ayun lang, hindi namin alam saan napunta. Magkakaroon tayo ng pakikipag-ugnayan sa area na prone ng baha para wala pa man lang baha, palilikasin na natin,” said Apitong Barangay Captain Mhel Eloponga.

(We were worried, so we requested a flood control project. The problem is, we don’t know what happened to it or where it went. We need to coordinate with flood-prone areas so that even before the flooding starts, we can begin evacuation.)

Disaster responders have prepared rescue boats, ambulances, and other equipment for the storm.

They are also coordinating the local government in giving advisories to residents in flood-prone areas.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office will begin going to 11 coastal areas to warn residents of the possible effects of Opong. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/LDF, GMA Integrated News