Damage caused by El Niño reaches over P151 million

The government’s El Niño Task Force has reported an initial P151.3 million damage to agriculture in Western Visayas and Zamboanga Peninsula.

The figure is expected to rise as the hot weather phenomenon is expected to last until May or June.

Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Joey Villarama, who is also the task force’s spokesperson, said that rice accounted for a huge bulk or 93 percent of the damaged crops while corn constituted six percent of the affected farm products.

A total of 41 provinces are affected by El Niño, 17 of them experiencing dry conditions, 10 grappling with a dry spell and 14 facing drought.

“The figure may rise. We are still in the middle of February. We will have another assessment and the number of affected provinces will increase,” Villarama claimed.

Villarama gave an assurance that the government’s El Niño task force is assisting the 4,000 farmers affected by the phenomenon.

Villarama said agencies are finding ways so farmers can still plant crops despite the high temperatures. He added that farmers were given aid, heat-tolerant and heat-resistant seeds and livestock to serve as an alternative source of livelihood.

The government is also monitoring the water quality and temperature of fisheries, Villarama said.

The agriculture department previously said the supply of rice, corn, pork, chicken and other commodities are “very stable” and there would be no problems in the coming months.

The government also called for “behavioral change” to mitigate the impact of El Niño.

Villarama said while the Marcos administration is working to mitigate the effects of El Niño, the public can contribute by conserving water and electricity.

“We are also asking for your help so we can overcome the possible impact of El Niño in terms of small behavioral changes like conserving water, conserving power and conserving food,” Villarama. -