Jomalig Island declares state of calamity due to El Niño-induced drought

MANILA — The tiny island municipality of Jomalig in Quezon province has been placed under a state of calamity after a four-month drought linked to El Niño disrupted farming and affected an estimated 2,540 families, Mayor Nelmar Sarmiento said.

In an interview with DZMM Teleradyo’s “Yan Tayo” program, Sarmiento said farmers have been struggling to plant crops due to a lack of water, relying largely on rainfall that has become increasingly scarce.

“Dapat ngayon ay bumubunga na ang palay kung sakaling hindi naranasan ang El Niño na ito,” Sarmiento said.

About 40 percent of Jomalig’s residents depend on agriculture for their livelihood, including rice farming, according to the mayor. The prolonged dry spell has disrupted their planting activities and deprived many farming households of income.

Sarmiento said the local government has begun distributing relief goods to affected farmers using funds set aside for disaster response.

“Halos lahat doon ay walang ilog, walang bundok, bale sa patak (ulan) lang umaasa,” he said.

The Department of Agriculture has also extended assistance to affected residents, while Quezon Governor Helen Tan has sent aid through the provincial government.

However, Sarmiento appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to expedite the delivery of rice supplies and other national government assistance, citing the island’s remote location and the difficulties of transporting essential goods.

“Sa ating minamahal na Pangulo Bongbong Marcos, yun lamang po sana patuloy na suplay ng bigas at saka yung mabilis sanang pagbaba ng programa,” Sarmiento said.

He added that government assistance sometimes takes time to reach Jomalig because of its distance from the mainland, urging authorities to prioritize the island during emergencies.

“Kung minsan, yung pagbaba ng mga suplay na gusto iparating sa amin ay natatagalan. Sana ay medyo i-priority dahil napakalayo, napakahirap ng sitwasyon namin sa mga ganitong panahon,” he added.

Despite the agricultural losses, Sarmiento said the dry weather has brought an increase in tourism, with calmer seas making it a favorable time to visit the island.

Jomalig is known for its golden- and white-sand beaches, which attract visitors seeking a remote island destination.

The island can be reached by boat from Real, Quezon, in a trip that typically takes four to five hours.