BACOLOD CITY, April 19 -- Two local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental are now under a state of calamity after recording several millions of pesos in damage to crops due to drought caused by El Nino.

Kabankalan City was the latest to issue the declaration after San Enrique town last week.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Friday that with their respective actions, the two LGUs can use certain funds to respond to the needs of their localities.

"I suppose the two LGUs have the intention of helping their affected constituents," he said.

Kabankalan City Vice Mayor Miguel Zayco said the City Council unanimously approved the declaration of state of calamity due to El Nino on Thursday afternoon.

In a radio interview, Zayco said...