MANILA – The Philippine government is not complacent about the looming effects of “very strong” El Niño, with PHP45 billion sought for the agriculture sector alone, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
At a press briefing on Monday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said they are closely monitoring the situation on the ground to ensure preparation and timely response.
“Definitely, hindi minamaliit ng national government ito, ng (The national government is not belittling this phenomenon, the) Department of Agriculture, because this really affects farm productivity of farmers, our fisherfolks, and even our livestock sector,” he said.
The DA chief said PHP45 billion in funding has been “approved in principle” for the El Niño response in the agriculture sector.
“Almost PHP45 billion ang hiningi namin na budget (is the budget we have requested)… initial is the PHP6.2 billion, but technically ang nai-ano sa amin is up to PHP45 billion ang possible na maibagay sa (what has been pitched is up to PHP45 billion possible allocation for the) Department of Agriculture for farmers and fisherfolk for El Niño,” Tiu Laurel said.
The requested budget is on top of the proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP), he said.
It will cover a funding boost for additional fuel subsidy and fertilizers, as well as water pumps, irrigation systems, tractors and harvesters, among others.
The amount also seeks to support intensified rice seeding in areas that will be less affected, alongside provision of alternative crops and drought-resistant seeds in El Niño-affected areas.
Farmers who will temporarily halt planting due to extreme heat may also benefit from DA’s program in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment.
The specific allocations under the PHP45 billion budget are not yet disclosed, but release will be subject to availability of funds, Tiu Laurel said.
*P6.2-B fund release*
The DA chief, meanwhile, said the PHP6.2 billion worth of aid under the UPLIFT is the first batch to be released out of the total PHP45 billion funding.
The majority of the PHP6.2 billion fund is allocated for fertilizer support, worth PHP2.2 billion.
Allocation for fuel aid is at PHP1 billion for eligible farmers and PHP1 billion for eligible fishers; another PHP1 billion for Presidential Assistance to Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk; and PHP1 billion fuel subsidy for agricultural transport.
Tiu Laurel said the release of the fuel subsidy will begin this week, starting off with registered fishers.
“This week magdi-distribute na (they will distribute) for fisherfolk. Sa farmers naman, they are clearing up the list,” he said.
To date, at least 310,968 farmers and fishers are considered eligible beneficiaries.
“Latest– first week of November, hopefully before the end of October, ma-release na rin ‘yung sa (it will also be released for our) farmers natin, mechanized farmers,” he said.
He cited the PHP5,000 one-time fuel subsidy for about 196,000 eligible farmers.
Tiu Laurel also mentioned PHP2,000 per week fuel aid for at least 3,246 agri truckers.
The DA, meanwhile, said the negotiation with toll operators concerning the toll holiday for agri-truckers is still underway.
The DA chief expressed optimism about securing commitments within the week.
A waived toll fee until the year-end, or Dec. 31, is being eyed earlier for vehicles and trucks carrying agri commodities.
