P45-B El Niño fund eyed

The government is stepping up measures to protect food supplies and contain prices as the impact of prolonged dry conditions threatens agriculture and pushes food inflation higher.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said P45 billion has been set aside for the government’s El Niño response, with P6.2 billion already released to support farmers and fisherfolk and help stabilize food prices.

“We are setting aside P45 billion for our El Niño response, with P6.2 billion already released, because we need to make sure that food supply remains stable and prices do not spiral whenever climate challenges hit our farmers and fisherfolk,” Tiu Laurel said.

PAGASA is projecting a Super El Niño from later this year through the first half of 2027, with the most severe dry conditions expected from November to April.

The weather phenomenon could disrupt crop, fisheries and livestock production, adding pressure on food supplies and prices.

Food inflation accelerated to 6.8 percent in September from 4.6 percent in August and 0.8 percent a year earlier, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas and pulses posted 10.7-percent inflation in September, reversing a 3.4-percent decline in August. Rice inflation rose to 20.3 percent from 19.4 percent, while fish and seafood prices increased to 7.4 percent from 6.6 percent.

Cereals and cereal products, including rice, accounted for 64.5 percent of food inflation, contributing 4.4 percentage points to the increase. Fish and seafood contributed 1.3 percentage points, while vegetables and related products added one percentage point.

Tiu Laurel said the government could resort to importation when necessary while providing assistance to farmers, fisherfolk and agricultural truckers facing higher production and transportation costs.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported P5.56 billion in agricultural damage and production losses linked to El Niño, with 201,322 farmers and fisherfolk affected nationwide and more than 223,497 hectares of crops damaged. Of the affected farmland, 41,164 hectares suffered total crop loss.

Cagayan Valley accounted for much of the reported agricultural damage, while 106 areas in Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Bicol, Soccsksargen and Caraga have been placed under a state of calamity.

In Iloilo, Dueñas became the first municipality in the province to declare a state of calamity after three months of limited rainfall damaged rice, high-value crops and other agricultural products. More than 100 hectares have been affected in the municipality, while over 400 hectares across Iloilo have been initially reported damaged.

In Kalinga, 2,840 farmers had reported losses by June, with damage covering 4,142 hectares and estimated crop production losses of 5,843 metric tons. Farmers have begun foregoing planting because of declining rainfall and uncertain water supplies.

Government agencies are deploying solar-powered irrigation systems, pump sets, reservoirs and other water facilities while promoting rainwater harvesting, crop diversification and adjusted planting calendars.

The National Irrigation Administration Region II is preparing for possible water shortages by identifying alternative water sources, including shallow tube wells and mobile solar pumps. It is also promoting alternate wetting and drying, irrigation rotation and scheduling, and canal rehabilitation to maximize available water.