Department of Agriculture Allocates PHP3.1 Billion for La Niña Preparations in Ilocos Region

ILOCOS — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has dedicated PHP3.1 billion to strengthen agricultural resilience in the Ilocos Region in anticipation of the La Niña weather phenomenon, which is expected to bring unusually heavy rainfall and impact local farming communities.

According to Philippines News Agency, the funding will support a comprehensive strategy that includes the establishment of a Task Force against La Niña, conducting educational briefings for farmers, and updating maps to identify areas most vulnerable to flooding. These efforts aim to mitigate the adverse effects of La Niña on agriculture, which can include severe damage to crop yields due to excessive rainfall.

The task force will focus on meticulous data collection, while information and education campaigns (IEC) will distribute necessary materials across the region and utilize broadcasting platforms to reach a wider audience. Cacal emphasized that even though farmers are aware of typical La Niña preparations, the additional guidance and resources provided by the DA are crucial for their optimal readiness.

In addition to preparatory activities, the DA plans to maximize the use of non-vulnerable areas by enhancing their production capabilities. This strategy includes distributing hybrid seeds and fertilizer vouchers and rehabilitating irrigation systems to ensure that these areas can compensate for potential losses in more flood-prone regions.

Cacal noted that the likelihood of La Niña affecting the region during the rainy months of June, July, and August stands at 60 percent. The DA has already utilized PHP3 billion of the allocated funds for these initiatives. Collaboration with other national government agencies and local government units is also pivotal in reinforcing the agricultural sector against the expected challenges.