During the Agribiz media forum at SM Lanang Premier on Tuesday, the newly-appointed regional executive shared that, based on the Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) reports, 547 hectares in Davao del Sur have been affected. Among these, 227 hectares are deemed to have a chance of recovery, while the remaining 320 hectares are unlikely to recover.
The official, identified as Gonzaga, revealed that the total production losses due to the impact amount to approximately 1,297 metric tons, valued at P22.5 million.
The effects of the El Niño phenomenon have been felt across various sectors, including agriculture, marine resources, water resources, human health, and the environment.
Since last year, the Department of Agriculture Region 11 (DA 11) has been actively implementing its El Niño Action Plan following the declaration of an El Niño Watch and subsequently an El Niño Alert. The department has allocated P1 billion for this initiative, focusing on saving vulnerable areas, particularly Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental. Measures include providing drought-resistant rice seed varieties, distributing plastic drums for rainwater catchment, initiating spring development projects in upland areas, and assessing irrigation systems in collaboration with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).
Furthermore, efforts are being made to enhance production in less vulnerable regions by supplying seeds for rice, corn, and vegetables, as well as biologics for livestock and poultry.
In addition to these specific El Niño-related interventions, DA 11 has allocated P24.5 million under its regular program for the rehabilitation of areas affected by El Niño.
DA 11 Regional Executive Director, Abel Gonzaga, emphasized the importance of the department's nine priority programs aimed at ensuring food security and promoting a thriving agri-fishery sector. He stressed the need for expeditious transactions, backlog resolutions, and meeting deadlines to achieve these objectives.
Gonzaga expressed DA 11's commitment to proactively and promptly fulfilling its duties, highlighting the role of Local Government Units in delivering support and interventions to farmer-beneficiaries. He also announced plans to conduct ground consultations with agri-fishery stakeholders in the upcoming weeks to gather feedback and insights.
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