The Philippine Department of Agriculture is proposing a ₱61.99-billion action plan to reduce agricultural losses and support farmers amid the anticipated El Niño climate phenomenon.
The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced a proposed ₱61.99-billion action plan aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of the El Niño phenomenon on the nation’s food supply and the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the importance of early preparation to minimize losses, stating that support such as providing drought-tolerant rice varieties and other appropriate agricultural inputs will be critical.
The proposed funding includes ₱6.2 billion already allocated under the government’s Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Program. However, the DA noted that ₱371 million worth of interventions remain unfunded, including cloud seeding operations to induce rain and measures to control the red-striped soft scale insect infestation affecting sugarcane production.
The department plans to coordinate with other government agencies on complementary initiatives such as a cash-for-work program with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and employment programs with the Department of Labor and Employment.
Fuel subsidies have begun to be released to fisherfolk, with plans to distribute subsidies to farmers using mechanized equipment in late October or November. These measures seek to safeguard agricultural productivity and support vulnerable rural workers during the expected severe El Niño event.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/1006393/da-seeks-p62-b-el-ni-o-mitigation-plan/story/