MANILA - The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Wednesday that it has allocated PHP1.08 billion in assistance for farmers adversely affected by the El Niño weather pattern. This substantial aid package aims to mitigate the economic strain on the agricultural sector caused by prolonged dry conditions.
According to Philippines News Agency, the majority of the funds, amounting to PHP1.06 billion, were designated for financial support in the Cagayan Valley and Mimaropa regions. Additionally, the agency distributed agricultural inputs including mung beans, hybrid rice seeds, corn seeds, and fertilizers valued at PHP17.65 million to areas in the Ilocos Region and Western Visayas.
The DA detailed its support strategies, highlighting the provision of PHP7.87 million in hybrid rice seeds and PHP7.63 million in fertilizers to bolster production in Western Visayas, alongside PHP1.16 million in corn seeds for the Ilocos Region. These measures aim to enhance food production and offset the losses experienced by farmers due to the challenging weather conditions.
Further assistance encompassed cloud seeding operations, the provision of 570 water pumps, enhancements to irrigation infrastructure, distribution of livestock, and the promotion of diversified farming practices. Additionally, the DA allocated PHP10.20 million for indemnification grants to farmers.
Nationwide, El Niño has affected over 54,000 farmers, with the agriculture sector witnessing losses totaling PHP2.64 billion. The most significant impacts were on rice production, accounting for PHP1.72 billion in losses, followed by corn, high-value crops, and the livestock and poultry sectors.
The announcement follows Executive Order No. 53, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in January, which aims to coordinate and enhance the nation's response to El Niño-related challenges. This directive mandates the formulation of a comprehensive disaster preparedness and response strategy, focusing on systematic and effective interventions to support affected communities and stabilize the agricultural industry.