6k Iloilo farmers affected by dry season receive aid from GMA Kapuso Foundation

A total of 6,000 farmers from Anilao and Banate, Iloilo are among the recent recipients of help from GMA Kapuso Foundation as the dry season continues to affect their livelihoods.

According to “24 Oras,” Wednesday, a communal irrigation system in Anilao has almost gone dry as the weather continues to warm.

“Itong lugar na ‘to puno ‘to dati ng tubig, hanggang doon tapos sa pader na ‘yan, umaapaw diyan ang tubig. Pero dahil sa epekto ng El Niño, wala na, tuyong-tuyo na. Buhangin na lang makikita n’yo,” said Irrigator’s Federation President Wilhem Pauchano.

Because of this, Ernie Daez’s crops went to waste.

“Ninety percent o 100% ‘yung nalugi namin, kasi wala kaming nakuha sa aming mga produkto. Wala kaming nakuha kahit isang sako,” the farmer said.

Because of the low production of rice, its prices have also increased, making life more difficult for the farmers.

“Wala kaming mapakain sa mga anak namin,” he said.

Anilao Municipal Agriculturist Norlyn Montaño said that they have recorded about P52 million worth of damages, mostly on rice and a few vegetables.

“‘Yung Antique at Iloilo ay nakakaranas na siya ng matinding tagtuyot. Medyo mataas ‘yung tinatawag ng heat index, ibig sabihin matindi, mataas ‘yung kaniyang alinsangan doon,” DOST-PAG-ASA Asst. Water Services Chief Ana Solmoro Solis said.

To help, GMA Kapuso Foundation delivered food packs for the farmers. Medicines and hygiene kits were also donated to their Rural Health Unit.

“Nagpapasalamat po sa GMA Kapuso at nakarating sila dito,” Ernie said.

For those who want to take part in GMA Kapuso Foundation’s initiatives, you may send your donations through bank deposits, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Shopee, PayMaya, Zalora, MegaMart, Globe Rewards, Metrobank credit card, and Lazada.

For more information, visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website.

—Carby Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News