A price freeze is now in effect after a state of calamity was declared in Solsona and Dingras, Ilocos Norte. 

Basic commodities such as canned goods, milk, coffee, soap, salt, and bread are among those covered by the 60-day price freeze. 

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) monitors compliance with these measures.

In Dingras, around 400 farmers are affected by the El Niño phenomenon.

The Municipal Agriculture Office reported approximately P22 million in damage due to drought across 200 hectares of farmland.

Some livestock feed on dried grass or hay from the rice fields, and planting has been hindered due to insufficient water.

“Yung mga hukay konti nalang ang tubig,” Cornelio Balbesino, the Municipal Agriculturist, said.

“Ang magandang balita is itong lahat ng farmer na affected ng drought [ay] insured naman. Inaantay nalang namin ang indemnity nila,” Ronald Tangonan, a farmer, said.

Several barangays have been without water in their taps and wells for almost three weeks.

According to the Dingras Municipal Council, 30 percent of the calamity fund will be allocated for the rehabilitation of affected areas.