LIPA CITY, BATANGAS (PIA) — The Department of Agriculture (DA) in CALABARZON is prepared to aid local farmers who will catch up on their production as the country braces for La Niña.
During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum, DA CALABARZON Regional Executive Director and Officer-in-Charge Fidel Libao assured that the government is ready to continue its assistance to farmers that will be affected by the wet season, especially after the onset of the El Niño phenomenon.
“People were severely affected by the prolonged dry season we call El Niño. They are now eager to plant because the rainy season has started. Actually, the President has a program for those affected by El Niño,”
Anticipating shifts in productivity and farming practices, Libao assured that they are also prepared to support farmers during La Niña.
“The Department of Agriculture is prepared to provide their needs, and we have already [started] providing information on the coming La Niña,” the director proclaimed.
On June 7, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) released its final El Niño advisory and declared the country’s transition to La Niña season which will likely develop between July to September 2024 and will last until the first quarter of 2025.
Aside from its regular interventions and programs, Libao stated that the agriculture department has prepared a buffer stock to support farmers.
“Besides regular programs and interventions, we have a buffer stock ready in our warehouses for times of calamity. So, once a report comes in, we are prepared to support the farmers.”
The El Niño phenomenon has affected 3,601.01 hectares of agricultural lands, resulting in a production value of Php 407,817,700.73, affecting some 4,735 farmers and fisherfolks.
Given the region’s agriculture production challenges, the DA director emphasized the benefits of employing modern technology to aid farmers, as evidenced by their model farm areas and other special programs.
“Aside from providing seeds, fertilizers, and training, the DA has new special programs for farmers, like [setting up] model farms areas to show that agriculture is a viable livelihood, if they have the right technology.”
Despite the challenges posed by the prolonged dry season, Libao said the region remains a top player in cattle production, supplying milk to international food companies.
Mayor Antonio Barcelon of Nasugbu, Batangas, one of the guests during the Kapihan, expressed optimism that the youth will be key to its survival.
“We recognize our shortcomings in engaging the youth in farming and integrating them into the agricultural system,”
Addressing the media, Barcelon added: “We hope that through your efforts, we can convey to the youth and make them realize that agriculture is the hope of our nation. If they cannot find jobs, there are government agencies where they can use their skills for the betterment of our country.”
The Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas fourth episode in the Calabarzon region also highlighted the accomplishments and programs of some DA-attached agencies, including the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) IV-A, National Irrigation Administration (NIA) IV-A, and the National Food Authority (NFA) IV-A, and their contributions in meeting the sufficient food supply the region needs. (PB/PIA-4A)
