SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA: The provincial board lifted the state of calamity due to the El Niño phenomenon in Antique through a resolution passed during the regular session on Monday. Board Member Victor Condez cited the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Memorandum Order No. 63, series of 2024, downgrading the alert status to white or normal situation as the basis for lifting the state of calamity status. "We are no longer suffering from the ill effects of the El Niño phenomenon. Thus, it is also time for us to lift the state of calamity," Condez said. Board Member Mayella Mae Plameras-Ladislao, in an interview, said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited Antique to bring assistance to farmers and fisherfolk on June 27. 'It is now time for the farmers and fisherfolk to move on with their lives,' Ladislao said. The Antique Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), during the regular flag-raising ceremony on Monday, said the phenomenon affected 84,732 families or 301,432 individuals, mostly farmers and fisherfolk in the province. In response, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed 49,416 family food packs, while the cash-for-work of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) benefitted 2,500 individuals. The provincial government also extended PHP5 million in financial support to 2,500 severely affected families. Source: Philippines News Agency