The regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA 11) has allocated P1 billion for its El Niño action plan, according to an official.
Joedel R. Leliza, focal person of DA-11 disaster risk reduction, said on Tuesday that the bulk of the budget is on the maximization of production in non-vulnerable areas to ensure the food security of every family in Davao Region.
“Meron tayong naka tag na P1 billion as total allotted El Niño action plan in Davao Region. Ang pinaka bulk nito is on maximization of production in non-vulnerable areas. Pinaka importante ang food security kasi kailangan natin i-maintain ang sufficiency at the same time at may maibigay tayo na pagkain every family in the Davao Region,” said Leliza during Agribiz media forum at SM Lanang Premier on Tuesday.
According to Leliza, the P13 million, which is one of the crucial parts of the budget, is allocated for saving production in vulnerable areas and can still be enhanced by sourcing funds through the quick response fund of the DA national office and the National DRR Management fund.
The vulnerable areas identified are in Davao City, Davao del Sur, and some areas in Davao Oriental.
An amount of P26.4 million was allotted to preparatory activities, P971.3 million for maximization of production in non-vulnerable areas, and P13.5 million for saving production in vulnerable areas.
“We are ready na po regarding the positioning of interventions especially to those areas vulnerable to El Niño. Naay gibuhat na strategies ang DA 11 or preparatory activities or first strategies such as the maximization of non-vulnerable areas,” Leliza said.
He said as early as February this year, DA 11 already crafted the El Niño action plan including the planning the carrying out interventions for the farmers like rice and corn programs.
Leliza added that starting June this year, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) changed El Niño watch into El Niño alert status due to the below-normal condition being experienced in the region.
“From El Niño watch naa nata sa El Niño status. Interventions naka position na lahat per province,” he said.
He also said that DA is eyeing to replicate the creation of the National El Niño Task Force in minimizing its expected adverse effects.
It is mandated to formulate a disaster mitigation and preparedness plan and conduct information campaigns about the phenomenon and public contributions that may help reduce its impact on communities, among other functions.
