Thousands of farmers and fishermen affected by the El Niño phenomenon received assistance from the local government of Davao.
The Davao City Social Services and Development Office said around 37,000 farmers and at least 927 fishermen were affected by the drought that hit the city early this year.
Maria Luisa T. Bermudo, head of the CSSDO, said the distribution of food assistance that included rice and canned goods started middle of November.
The drought devastated farms in Calinan, Tugbok, Marilog, Paquibato, and Toril, mostly hinterland areas famous for agricultural production.
The city government has distributed 981 sacks of rice in Tapak and 1,300 in Colosas, both in Paquibato.
The assistance was approved by the city government through a resolution declaring the affected areas under the state of calamity because of the drought.
