At least eight barangays in Alabel, Sarangani have declared a state of calamity due to the damage to agriculture caused by El Niño.

These barangays are Datal Anggas, New Canaan, Pag-asa, Paraiso, Spring, Tokawal, Dumulok, and Alegria.

Over 500 hectares of various crops in the town have already been affected with estimated damage to agriculture reaching more than P40 million, as of this posting.

Barangay Alegria Chairman Hilario Villamora said the supply of vegetables is already limited. The barangay has laid down plans to support the farmers affected.

“Ang atong food hub, luoy kaayo gyud. Limited na lang ang atoang mga supply nga gulay. Gi-una gyud nato og kuha og data kay para makahatag dayon ta og strategy kung unsa na’y ma-support nato sa atong mga farmer,” Barangay Alegria Chairman, Hilario Villamora, said.

Affected farmers are hoping the government could provide assistance.

“Pagkaon gyud ang kinahanglan unya ug maabot ang panahon nga mag-ulan na, binhi gyud ang kinahanglan ug kaning abuno sa lubi,” affected farmer, Wilfredo Tinaco, said.

The Municipal Agriculture Office has forwarded the claims of farmers under the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) Insurance Program as part of its intervention.

“Another action pud nato ang pag-forward sa claims sa mga farmer under the PCIC Insurance Program. At least, naa’y mabalik sa ilaha nga claims nga pang-kapital na pud, makasugod sila puhon, maka-recover, kaluy-an nga magbalik ang atong normal nga panahon,” Municipal Agriculturist, Giselle Gestupa, said.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) has also recommended to the municipal council to place the entire town under a state of calamity.