Philippines, Drought in Region II

On 10 March 2026, the Province of Isabela was declared under a state of calamity
(SOC) due to the impacts of a prolonged dry spell, which has adversely affected
agricultural production and posed threats to the livelihoods of farmers throughout the
province.
The Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPA) of Isabela reported that corn crops are
at a critical stage of growth and remain highly vulnerable to ongoing dry conditions,
which may lead to reduced harvests this cropping season resulting in several
municipalities having already experienced severe impacts which have significantly
disrupted farmers’ livelihoods. Many farmers are experiencing reduced income, crop
losses, and increasing financial difficulties, making it harder for them to sustain their
daily needs. This situation highlights the urgent need for immediate assistance and
long-term measures to support and protect affected farming communities.
Further, the declaration of SOC was supported by the Provincial Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) following the conduct of a Damage
Assessment and Needs Analysis (DANA), which confirmed the significant impact of
the prolonged dry conditions on agriculture and livelihoods in the province.
In response, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through
its Field Office (FO) II, is in close coordination with the Local Government Units
(LGUs) of the Province of Isabela for any significant updates and requests for relief
augmentation