Candon braces for calamity declaration as El Niño threatens rice harvest

CANDON, Ilocos Sur — City officials in Candon are moving toward declaring a state of calamity as El Niño impacts loom over the agricultural region, according to Mayor Eric Singson. The declaration would address mounting threats to rice farming, water availability, and public health as dry weather patterns intensify across northern Luzon.

The anticipated El Niño event poses significant risk to the city's agricultural sector, with approximately 5,000 rice farmers potentially facing substantial losses should the drought conditions materialize as forecasted. Candon's economy depends heavily on rice production, making the potential crop failure a serious concern for both individual farmers and the municipal government.

Mayor Singson indicated that the city government is taking precautionary measures in line with national guidance to prepare for the climate emergency. The calamity declaration would enable the local government to mobilize resources and coordinate relief efforts more effectively should conditions deteriorate.

Beyond agricultural impacts, officials are also concerned about the strain on municipal water supplies and potential effects on public health during an extended dry period. The city is reportedly coordinating with regional agencies to develop contingency plans and assess the full scope of potential damage across affected sectors.