PGI convenes mayors as dry spell, oil crisis hit Isabela

The Provincial Government of Isabela (PGI) convened local chief executives on March 23 to address a prolonged dry spell affecting tens of thousands of farmers, as well as a global oil crisis impacting fuel supply and prices.

Governor Rodito T. Albano and Vice Governor Francis Faustino “Kiko” A. Dy led the meeting at the Balai, Provincial Capitol Compound, joined by city and municipal mayors, as well as House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III.

Dry spell impact widens

Vice Governor Dy said the dry spell has affected more than 30,000 farmers and over 30,000 hectares of cornfields, with damage projected to reach up to 60,000 hectares by the end of March.

“As of today, more than 30,000 hectares and 30,000 farmers are affected,” he said, adding that local governments are still finalizing their reports.

Governor Albano ordered municipal agricultural officers to submit validated lists of affected farmers ahead of a scheduled visit by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on March 26 in Ramon and Santiago City.

The governor said assistance is being coordinated with national agencies, particularly the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Agriculture (DA).

“May ayuda tayo sa ating corn farmers. Kailangan lang namin ang final na listahan ninyo sa mga aktwal na nasalanta ang tanim para maibigay ang ayuda,” he said.

The provincial government expects to complete validation by March 25 to allow the immediate release of assistance.

Speaker Dy also said they will review the final list of corn farmers to be submitted by municipalities and cities to determine how many will be covered by direct cash assistance.

He also disclosed that the DA is considering shifting to direct cash assistance instead of seed subsidies.

“Meron na rin pong arrangement sa Department of Agriculture na kung maaari, hindi na tayo magbibigay ng seed subsidy kundi puro cash assistance na,” he said.

Fuel supply under watch

Governor Albano also raised concerns over fuel supply and pricing, warning gasoline stations against possible profiteering.

“Yung gas stations, hinihintay nila na tumaas ang presyo. Alam ninyo bang may power ang munisipyo diyan. I-check ninyo ang stock ng gasoline stations. Puwede natin silang kasuhan kung nagpo-profiteering sila,” he said.

He urged local governments to monitor fuel inventories and form price monitoring councils.

Mayor Faustino “Inno” A. Dy V, meanwhile, called on local chief executives to expedite their proposals for the Regional Development Council (RDC) ahead of the national budget call in April to ensure Isabela’s recovery remains a priority. – Isabela PIO