The Department of Agriculture (DA) has requested a P45-billion supplemental budget to cushion El Niño’s impact on farmers and fisherfolk, as agricultural damage reaches P6.8 billion across 249,000 hectares of farmland.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said P6.2 billion of the requested assistance has been released and is being implemented.
He also said another P10 billion was expected to support solar irrigation, solar pumps, solar aerators and additional biofertilizers.
“Out of the P45 billion, we have been released P6.2 billion, which we are implementing now. I believe there would be another P10 billion coming for solar irrigation, solar pumps and solar aerators, as well as additional biofertilizers,” Laurel said.
For 2027, he said P10 billion has already been included under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk with congressional support.
The funding measures come as Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum warned that all 82 provinces are expected to experience drought by the end of March 2027 amid a “very strong” El Niño.
Solidum said the effects are already being felt and could worsen next year depending on rainfall. He stressed that preparation and water conservation would help determine the extent of the impact.
The Office of Civil Defense reported that 106 cities and municipalities and five provinces have declared a state of calamity due to El Niño.
Despite anticipated harvest losses, the DA assured the public of sufficient rice and other agricultural commodity supplies.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. presided over a Cabinet meeting Monday to discuss measures addressing the effects on different sectors.
Alongside agricultural assistance, the Local Water Utilities Administration pledged to continue identifying new water sources within local water districts.
The Department of Health said barangay health workers would monitor vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and senior citizens. Health Secretary Edwin Mercado said the President directed the department to carry out an information campaign on preventing El Niño-related health complications.
The OCD will also monitor a possible increase in forest fires as drought risks intensify.| BNN Integrated News
