7 Malaybalay villages seek relief

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — Following devastating floods that displaced hundreds of residents and caused significant agricultural damage, seven barangays in Malaybalay City are up for a state-of-calamity declaration.

The Office of the City Mayor, in coordination with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council approved the recommendation for the affected Barangays Sto. Niño, Managok, Violeta, Simaya, Sinanglanan, San Martin and Apo Macote.

Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran announced Friday, 4 July, that the resolution has been submitted to the 10th Sangguniang Panlungsod for approval. Upon approval, the declaration will unlock 30 percent of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund for relief, rehabilitation, and recovery efforts of the villages devastated by flooding last 25 and 26 June.

Rapid assessments revealed extensive damage to homes, livelihoods, and farms, with initial reports indicating over 150 displaced families and over P20 million in losses to crops and livestock. Agricultural losses, encompassing rice, corn, high-value commercial crops, and fisheries, are estimated at over P20.8 million.

The proposed P4.23 million in assistance will support 629 affected farmers and fisherfolk. Sto. Niño and Simaya reported the most significant livestock losses, estimated at P6.3 million and P5.4 million, respectively, followed by Apo Macote (P5.6 million) and Sinanglanan (P1.89 million).