Negros Oriental Provides Rice Assistance to Over 6,700 Drought-Affected Farmers

DUMAGUETE CITY — The provincial government of Negros Oriental has distributed rice to approximately 6,788 farmers impacted by the El Niño-induced drought, in an effort to support their recovery from significant agricultural losses.

According to Philippines News Agency, chief of the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), the latest distribution event occurred on Monday in Sta. Catalina, where Governor Manuel Sagarbarria and local officials handed out 25-kilo bags of rice to 2,000 beneficiaries. This initiative is part of a broader PHP20 million aid package funded through the province’s Calamity Fund Quick Response Fund.

The rice distribution campaign has reached several areas, including Dauin, Zamboanguita, Bais City, Tanjay City, and Mabinay, with additional distributions planned for Bindoy and Ayungon later this week. A previous report from the Department of Agriculture highlighted that around 22,000 farmers and fisherfolk in the province were affected by the El Niño conditions, underscoring the significant need for ongoing support and recovery assistance.