Department of Agriculture 11 (DA 11) regional executive director Macario Bong D. Gonzaga bared that based on the reports from its Disaster Risk and Reduction Management (DRRM), the El Niño phenomenon has affected around 556 farmers covering 547 hectares of upland vegetables and corn production areas in the Province of Davao del Sur.
“Based on the DRRM reports, 547 hectares are affected with 227 hectares having a chance of recovery while 320 hectares have no chance of recovery. These are all from the province of Davao del Sur,” the newly-installed regional executive said during the Agribiz media forum at SM Lanang Premier on Tuesday.
According to Gonzaga, the total production losses are more or less 1,297 metric tons and are valued at P22.5 million.
El Niño has impacted different sectors namely agriculture, marine resources, water resources, human health, and the environment.
Since last year, upon the declaration of El Niño Watch and eventually El Niño Alert, DA 11 has implemented its El Niño Action Plan with a P1 billion allocation for the saving of the vulnerable areas particularly Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental through provision of drought-resistant rice seed varieties, plastic drums for rainwater catchment, construction of spring development project in the upland areas, assessment of irrigation systems in coordination with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).
Another intervention is maximizing the production of less vulnerable areas through the provision of rice, corn, and vegetable seeds, and biologics for livestock and poultry.
Currently, under the regular program, DA 11 has allocated P24.5 million for the rehabilitation of the El Niño affected areas.
Meanwhile, Gonzaga underscored the significance of the nine priority programs of DA, which aim to achieve food security and foster a profitable industry in the agri-fishery sector.
He said to realize these objectives, he stressed the need to expedite transactions, address backlogs, and meet deadlines.
“DA 11 will perform its duties in a proactive and timely manner. We will also highlight the role of the Local Government Units in the delivery of support and interventions to our farmer-beneficiaries,” said Gonzaga.
He added that in the coming weeks, he will spearhead the conduct of consultations on the ground to listen to the agri-fishery stakeholders.
