PDRRMC allots P51M for El Nino response

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Pampanga Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) on Tuesday approved the realignment of P20 million to respond to the impact of El Niño phenomenon.

The additional funds increased the budget to assist farmers, fishermen and livestock growers to P51 million, PDRRM Office chief Angelina Blanco said.

The PDRRMC said that El Niño refers to the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, according to the National Geographic Society.

In a report to Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda, provincial agriculturist Jimmy Manliclic said the drought and its related effects have affected 814 farmers tilling 1,230 hectares, with damaged crops amounting P57.5 million.

The drought affected 158 farmers cultivating 254.8 hectares, reporting the damages at P7.6 million in Mexico, Minalin, Apalit, Macabebe and Sta. Rita towns.

"Drought stress also weakens crops, making them more susceptible to pest infestations," Manliclic said.

He added that the brown plant hopper (BPH) wrought havoc in 33 barangays in San Luis, Mexico, Sta. Ana, Candaba, San Simon, Apalit and Floridablanca.

Manliclic said BPH affected 656 farmers growing crops in 975.2 hectares. The damages reached P49.9 million.

“Total damages due to El Niño-related problems in the province is currently estimated at around P57.45 million,” Manliclic said.

The El Nino response fund consists of a total of P31 million from the PDRRMC and P20 million from the 20-percent Development Fund, said Blanco, who is also the Special Assistant to the Governor. Cooperatives can receive fuel and electric subsidies, she said.

Pineda assured support to the local agricultural sector.

“Nakahanda po ang inyong provincial government sa pagtulong sa mga maaapektuhan ng tagtuyot. P51 milyon po ang inisyal na pondo. I’m sure po susuportahan po ako ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan sakaling mangailangan pa ng dagdag na pondo,” the governor said.