DA proposes P62-B plan to address dry spell impact

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is proposing a P61.99-billion action plan to minimize the impact of El Niño on the country’s farm production to safeguard the livelihoods of farmers and fishers.

The DA said the proposed spending includes P6.2 billion in fuel and fertilizer subsidies under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (Uplift) program.

Other interventions include cloud seeding operations and measures to curb the spread of red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI) that are impacting sugarcane production.

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READ: EXPLAINER: Dry spell vs. drought — and how El Niño raises the risk

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“We need to plan ahead and ensure that farmers have the support they need to cope with a potentially severe El Niño, including access to drought-tolerant rice varieties and other appropriate inputs,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in a statement on Monday.

“Early preparation is crucial to minimizing production losses and protecting farmers’ livelihoods and the country’s food supply,” the agriculture chief added.

The DA presented its proposal to President Marcos during the National El Niño Task Force meeting held on Oct. 13.

During the meeting, the President ordered the agency to provide a comprehensive accounting of cloud seeding operations, including coverage areas and corresponding budget allocations.

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Beneficiary list

Marcos likewise instructed the DA to study the importation of drought-resistant rice seeds from India for possible distribution to farmers, subject to feasibility and implementation requirements.

“Beyond production support, the President called for intensified market surveillance and price monitoring of agricultural and fishery commodities to guard against manipulation, profiteering, and other irregularities during the El Niño period,” the DA said.

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The agency was also told to submit a prioritized beneficiary list to ensure the prompt and equitable distribution of assistance to vulnerable communities.

To encourage cooperation with these mitigation measures among affected communities, Marcos ordered a location-specific public information campaign on El Niño by disseminating reading materials for at least two minutes every hour.

These materials will outline ongoing government interventions and available assistance, and how farmers, fisherfolk, and the public can access support.

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“All government agencies were directed to adopt energy- and water-conservation measures, while early procurement and possible budget realignment were encouraged, subject to applicable procurement, budgeting, accounting, and auditing rules,” said the DA. /cb