Philippine Government to Provide Financial Support to El Niño-Affected Farmers and Fishers
MANILA, Philippines — In response to the adverse effects of the El Niño phenomenon, the Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Saturday a comprehensive aid package to support local farmers and fishers. The national government will allocate credit and insurance assistance to mitigate the impact of the prolonged dry spell on agriculture and fisheries.
According to Philippines News Agency, a spokesperson for the DA, the government has earmarked at least PHP500 million (approximately $10 million) in credit assistance and about PHP1.8 billion ($36 million) in insurance claims to aid those affected. Each qualifying farmer and fisher is set to receive PHP25,000 ($500) in credit assistance and may claim up to PHP20,000 ($400) in insurance. This financial support is designed to alleviate the hardships faced by the agricultural community during this challenging period.
Furthermore, De Mesa detailed additional measures, including the provision of PHP5,000 ($100) in financial assistance to rice farmers and a PHP3,000 ($60) fuel subsidy for both farmers and fishers, as part of the national budget’s allocations. These steps aim to quickly address the immediate needs of the agricultural sector, ensuring that farmers and fishers can continue their operations and recover from the losses incurred due to El Niño.
As of February 25, the damage to agriculture attributed to El Niño was estimated at PHP357.4 million ($7.1 million), with the Mimaropa, Western Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula Regions being the most affected. The phenomenon has impacted 7,668 farmers across these regions, highlighting the significant challenge it poses to the country’s agricultural productivity.
The Philippine government’s intervention through financial assistance and subsidies reflects its commitment to supporting the agricultural sector in times of natural calamities, ensuring the sustainability of livelihoods for farmers and fishers nationwide.