OrMin town mulls state of calamity over severe water shortage

ORIENTAL MINDORO — A worsening water shortage has prompted municipal authorities to consider declaring a state of calamity as residents endure prolonged supply disruptions and farmers struggle to irrigate their crops.

Bulalacao Mayor Lumelito Cabagay said some households have experienced water interruptions lasting about a week, forcing local government units to conduct near-daily water deliveries to affected communities.

The severe dry conditions have also raised alarm over agricultural output, particularly rice and onion production, as declining river levels deplete irrigation canals.

Cabagay cited that farmers have resorted to pumping water directly from nearby rivers because canal flows are no longer sufficient. The reliance on mechanical pumps has driven up fuel expenses, compounding financial burdens for local agricultural workers.

To mitigate the impact, the municipal government is seeking emergency assistance from the Department of Agriculture (DA), specifically requesting fuel subsidies to help farmers operate irrigation pumps.

Local officials are coordinating with the Municipal Agriculture Office, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and barangay leaders to assess total crop damage and implement immediate relief interventions.

Adding to agricultural risks, Cabagay expressed concern over early signs of plant disease affecting standing rice crops suffering from water stress.

The municipality experienced heavy rainfall during August and September before unseasonably high temperatures and dry conditions set in during October.

Local leaders are evaluating whether the impact on households and agriculture meets the criteria for a formal state of calamity declaration, which would release local calamity funds and streamline emergency resource allocation.