Province Under State of Calamity

The entire province of Negros Occidental is under a state of calamity due to the severe effects of Severe Tropical Storm “Crising” and the outbreak of the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) affecting sugarcane plantations.

The resolution declaring the status was passed by the Provincial Board and approved by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on Thursday (July 24, 2025) and a copy of which was released on Friday.

The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council reported that the heavy rains and widespread flooding in Negros Occidental have resulted in an estimated P44,498,871 in damages to agriculture, affecting 1,784 farmers across 1,385 hectares of rice, high-value crops, and corn as of July 22.

Rice farmers sustained P28.57 million in losses, followed by corn at P12.17 million, high-value crops at P2.88 million, and livestock and poultry at P865,400, data showed.

The flooding also destroyed 41 houses and 308 partially damaged.

The continuous rain affected 47,444 families, or 178,781 individuals, in Negros Occidental.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and local government units have extended assistance totaling P22.58 million to 47,444 families or 178,781 individuals in 201 barangays in the province.

The affected LGUs were Murcia, Bago City, La Carlota City, Pontevedra, San Enrique, Valladolid, Binalbagan, Himamaylan City, Hinigaran, Isabela, Moises Padilla, Candoni, Cauayan, Hinoba-an, Ilog, Kabankalan City, Sipalay City, Don Salvador Benedicto, Bacolod City, and La Castellana.

Seven seaports in Negros Island Region (NIR), including those in Negros Oriental and Siquijor were affected.*