The local government of Midsayap, Cotabato is pushing for the declaration of a state of calamity due the effects of hot weather on agriculture, which has incurred damage of at least P5 million. 

According to the Municipal Agriculturist’s Office (MAO), more than 7,000 farmers have been affected. From 6,000 hectares of rice field, only 1,000 hectares is accessible as this is the only area that has available water supply.

“Imagine the 5,000 discrepancy ng hindi nakapagtanim and take note November pa halos ang last harvest ng farmers natin sa rice and June pa sila makapagtatanim when the rain comes so wala talagang kabuhayan ngayon yung mga magsasaka natin,” Municipal Agriculturist, Dr. Charlimagne Fugata, said.

Other crops affected are chili, cucumber, eggplant, and watermelon.

"Nag-ampo na lang ko sa Ginoo nga Lord taga-i ko og ulan. Sa usa ka semana bisag ka usa na lang kay para akong tanum, mobalik og kabaskog,” a farmer, Viriginita Daet, said.

MAO said the farm gate price for watermelon has dropped to P2 to P5 per kilo from P15 to P20 per kilo.

“Even the watermelon na alternative na tinanim ng mga farmers natin dito, a heat-loving crops is hindi niya nakaya yung tindi ng init. Pumuputok, nagca-crack and the quality of the fruit is very low,” Fugata said.

Aside from the hot weather, the town also experiences water shortage. The heat index in the city has reached 41 degrees Celsius.

Fugata said once the town is placed under a state of calamity, the calamity fund could be used to help the farmers affected.

“So that ma-tap natin yung calamity fund natin to give alternative sources ng patubig ng mga farmers especially the vegetable growers para atleast man lang yung standing crops nila ma-sustain nila,” Fugata said.