MANILA, Philippines - Local government officials are mulling to place 32 villages in Magpet town, North Cotabato province under a state of calamity due to the drought's devastating effects on banana plantations.

The local government said that based on initial estimates, banana plantations in the town have incurred a damage of at least P50 million because of the dry spell.

It said that an additional P1 million worth of corn and palay (unhusked rice) have also been affected by the drought.

The local government said funds that could be released after the state of calamity declaration would be used to purchase food and supplies for farmers affected by the crisis. – Report from ABS-CBN Soccsksargen