Manila, May 9 -- The Task Force El Nino on Thursday underscored the need for direct aid and continuous on-the-ground monitoring for affected farmers and fishers amid the increasing number of areas placed under a state of calamity due to excessive heat.

At the PTV's Rise and Shine program, Task Force El Nino spokesperson, Assistant Secretary Joey Villarama, said about 273 cities and municipalities nationwide have declared a state of calamity, including areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

"Ang focus ng administrasyon is malaman po iyong pangangailangan ng ating mga magsasaka, mangingisda, at ang kanilang pamilya. Hindi sila figures (lang), mayroon talagang nangangailangan ng tulong (The focus of the admin...