Government agencies assured that response to the affected farmers of El Niño is a top priority as damage to the agriculture sector continues to worsen.
In a data released by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), an estimated total of P2.6-billion damage has been reported to the rice, corn and other high value crops of six regions in the country.
This leads to affect the livelihood of over 79,000 farmers and declaration of state of calamity in 16 provinces, towns and cities.
The Department of Agriculture already released P18.3-million for cloud seeding operation, following its order to the farmers and stakeholders to submit a report on damages and losses.
There is also a budget allocated for the survival and recovery program of affected rice farmers through calamity fund and plans of Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation.
Also helping NDRRMC is the Department of Social Welfare and Development which has earmarked its standby fund at P1.2-billion for food packs and other items.
The Department of Interior and Local Government also vowed to continue their information and educational materials, preparedness actions, responses and plans to its regional offices and local government units.
