DA 11 outlines ₱729-million El Niño plan and quick response funds for farmers
The regional agriculture office says most of the budget will go to boosting output in areas less vulnerable to drought, with emergency funds proposed for seeds, fertilizer, livestock and pest control.
The Department of Agriculture in Region XI (DA XI) has drawn up a ₱729.11-million El Niño Action Plan to help farmers in Southern Mindanao cope with dry spells and protect crop yields, according to Mindanao Times.
Joe del Leliza, focal person of the DA XI Disaster Risk Reduction Management Division, presented the plan at the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City on Wednesday, Oct. 28.
Of the total, ₱678.73 million is earmarked for maximizing agricultural production in areas not considered vulnerable to drought. Another ₱40.41 million covers preparatory activities, while ₱9.97 million is meant to save existing production in vulnerable farm zones.
The agency has also set out a 2026 Quick Response Fund (QRF) roadmap covering emergency procurement for rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock and pest management.
For farmers hit by moisture stress, DA XI is proposing a ₱136.53-million QRF package. This includes ₱30.56 million for rice production support such as fertilizers, biofertilizers and irrigation facilities; ₱48.35 million for corn planting materials and fertilizers; and ₱34.02 million for high-value vegetable seeds and supplies. A separate ₱6 million is budgeted for cloud seeding operations in the region.
A further ₱137.56 million in dedicated El Niño QRF interventions includes ₱42.4 million for the rice sector, ₱17.62 million for veterinary biologics and feed supplements for livestock, and ₱32.5 million for crop pest management, including bactericides, insecticides and pheromone lures against the Fall Armyworm.
Procurement already under way through the QRF amounts to ₱66.33 million in regional support, with priority given to hybrid yellow corn seeds worth ₱27 million, as well as bio-fertilizers and inputs for high-value crops.
Del Leliza said distributing climate-resilient seeds, soil ameliorants and irrigation pumps early remains critical to protecting the region's food security during prolonged dry spells.
Why it matters for Davao
Farmers in the Davao Region may receive seeds, fertilizer, livestock support and pest control inputs through these funds, which DA XI says are meant to safeguard local food supply during dry spells.
This article was written by the DavaoNews desk with AI assistance, using reporting by Mindanao Times. Facts come from the original report, which we credit and link below. Our editorial policy
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