Manila, Sept. 21 -- Camarines Norte declared a state of calamity on Monday due to the worsening water crisis and the adverse effects of the El Nino phenomenon.

Several municipalities are facing critical water shortages and disruptions to agricultural activities.

Camarines Norte Governor Ricarte Padilla said the province-wide declaration would facilitate the mobilization, coordination and prioritization of resources and programs for disaster response, relief, recovery and mitigation.

It also allows the province to prioritize, within the limits of current laws and regulations, available funds and resources for immediate response efforts, such as food security and agricultural support for affected farmers.

The resolution directs the rele...