Governor Gwendolyn Garcia on Friday declared the entire Cebu province under a state of calamity as 32 of its 50 local governments reported PHP176.8 million in damage to crops and livestock amid the onslaught of El Niño.

Garcia pledged to focus on assisting the agricultural sector. She, however, clarified that the declaration does not intend to give “dole outs” to the residents but is a recognition of the damage being beyond normal.

“The culture we wish to nurture in the entire province of Cebu (is) not a culture of mendicancy,” she said.

Capitol records showed that as of May 16, El Niño has affected 12,312 farmers and fisherfolk tilling a total area of 3,179.32 hectares.

Garcia said she would issue an executive order to lay down the parameters for providing assistance to farmers.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Board is set to pass a resolution on May 20 supporting the governor’s declaration. (PNA)

Photo credit: Screengrab from Facebook/cebugovph