By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Raymund I. Tongson of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental announced that the city government is allocating P23 million from last year’s savings to combat the effects of El Niño, which has impacted all 19 barangays.
The funds are being directed towards food packs for farmers, infrastructure projects, and logistical supplies such as pumps and hoses, Tongson informed reporters on Thursday.
He mentioned plans to acquire a water filtration truck, noting the significant aid provided by one previously borrowed from the provincial government. Despite the presence of deep wells, the water requires filtration, he emphasized.
Tongson has yet to declare a state of calamity, opting to coordinate with local executives in adjacent areas.
“It is an advantage to declare a state of calamity to utilize calamity funds, but we haven’t come to that yet,” said Tongson.
However, water rationing has been implemented citywide due to the intense heat drying up water sources, significantly affecting farmers.
“We are still trying to resolve the effects of El Niño using current government protocols,” Tongson stated, acknowledging a recommendation from the Office of Civil Defense to declare a state of calamity.
“Indi na siya nami but the support of the national agencies is there,” he said, expressing gratitude for the Bureau of Fire’s assistance with fire trucks aiding in water distribution across barangays.
