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Iloilo Governor Affirms Support for Farmers Amid El Niño; Introduces Innovative Measures for Assistance

 ILOILO CITY – Governor Arthur Defensor assured on Thursday that the provincial government is ready to support Iloilo farmers affected by the El Niño phenomenon.

“We are prepared to provide input assistance sourced from our disaster funds. As part of our measures, given that El Niño results in a reduction of water, we are ready to augment our small-scale irrigation projects, and we have allocated a budget for that,” Defensor stated in a media briefing.

“Instead of offering cash assistance, we are working to secure insurance for eligible farmers so that in case of any impact, they can benefit from the government's insurance policy, which offers more substantial coverage,” he added.

Defensor explained that these measures are outlined in the agriculture and fisheries extension program. One key component is the 2023-2024 Agriculture and Fisheries Mitigation Programs and Rehabilitation Plan, which allocates PHP15 million for Sustainable Insurance from the Government for Upscaling and Revitalizing Agri-fishery Development and Opportunities (SIGURADO).

Farmers registered with the Registry System for the Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) are already assured of insurance. SIGURADO will extend coverage to those not enrolled with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC). The implementation of the SIGURADO program is set to commence this year.

Initial Damages of PHP100 Million

Meanwhile, the Iloilo Provincial Agriculture Office is currently validating a report on drought damages from eight municipalities, covering 2,586.30 hectares, with an estimated cost of around PHP100 million.

“We don’t have the exact figure yet because this is a work in progress. The effects of the El Niño are also progressive, so we are waiting for more reports,” said Provincial Agriculturist Ildefonso Toledo in his report to Governor Defensor.

Toledo mentioned that they are also validating reports from the municipalities of Tigbauan, Oton, Tubungan, Anilao, San Enrique, Cabatuan, Barotac Nuevo, and Miag-ao. The preliminary report indicates that 188.21 hectares out of 7,662.73 hectares with standing crops in the eight towns are totally damaged, and 2,398.09 hectares are partially damaged.(PNA)

Grateful Farmers in Laoag City Benefit from Government's Cash-for-Work Program

 LAOAG CITY – Farmers in this city express gratitude for the government's cash-for-work initiative, designed to aid farmers affected by calamities and the prevailing dry spell.

On Thursday, 1,152 farmers received their compensation of PHP4,350 each for a 10-day community service, courtesy of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The distribution took place at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena.

Wilson Calaoagan, a corn farmer from Camanggaan village, conveyed his appreciation for the financial assistance, which he plans to use for his family's necessities.

“We cleaned up waterways and helped rehabilitate damaged roads for 10 days last January,” Calaoagan said, expressing hope that this program will continue benefiting marginalized workers, contributing to an increase in their income.

Another farmer, Roy Duldulao from Barangay Navotas-B, emphasized the timeliness of the cash payout, as he needs it for his daughter’s school allowance.

“I have been hearing about the cash-for-work for a long time now. Thank you for the chance; I was able to benefit from it,” he said in Ilokano, the local dialect.

The program, allocated over PHP50 million this year, is funded by the DSWD in collaboration with the Ilocos Norte provincial government. It aims to assist impoverished farmers during times of crisis. A total of 11,673 beneficiaries under the cash-for-work program are set to receive their cash assistance this month. (PNA)

El Niño's Impact: PHP33.7 Million in Damages to Rice and Corn Production in Patnongon, Antique

 SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – The adverse impact of the El Niño phenomenon on rice and corn production in the Municipality of Patnongon, located north of Antique, has resulted in damages amounting to PHP33.7 million.

Bernardita Salvador, the Municipal Agriculture Officer (MAO) of Patnongon, revealed in an interview on Thursday that the damages for the entire month of January included PHP31 million worth of losses from 424.3 hectares of affected rice plantations and PHP2.7 million from 118.25 hectares of corn fields.

Salvador explained, There is no more source of water with the rivers and deep wells drying up. Crops had been damaged." She further noted that the Igpayo and Sibalom rivers, which were once reliable sources of irrigation, could no longer supply sufficient water to the farms.

In addition to the water shortage, Salvador reported receiving information on Wednesday about the presence of the rice black bug (RBB) or rice weevil pest in barangays Igbobon and Amparo.

The Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPA) with the Antique Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) personnel are now validating the report about RBB in the two barangays,” she said.

RBB, a small brown beetle known for attacking rice, especially during dry spells, has affected approximately 2.5 hectares of farmland in both Igbobon and Amparo, according to Salvador.

As part of its intervention, the local government unit (LGU) of Patnongon has allocated PHP800,000 this year to procure rice and corn seeds for distribution to farmers. The priority is given to farmers affected by El Niño, ensuring they have planting materials for the upcoming cropping season. (PNA)

 TACLOBAN CITY – Following a skirmish in the upland village of San Isidro, Northern Samar on Wednesday, the Philippine Army successfully apprehended a member of the New People’s Army (NPA), identified as alias Doming.

Doming, affiliated with squad 1 of the sub-regional guerilla unit under the sub-regional committee Emporium of the NPA’s Eastern Visayas regional party committee, had an outstanding arrest warrant for murder issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 20 on Oct. 10, 2015.

According to Lt. Col. Nasser Arojo, the commander of the Army’s 43rd Infantry Battalion (IB), the troops engaged with a group of armed men while conducting an operation in the village. After a brief firefight, the armed men retreated, leaving Doming behind. Subsequently, an M16 rifle and a short magazine were confiscated.

Arojo credited the success of the operation to the timely and relevant information provided by the local residents. In a statement, he emphasized, "This is a clear indication that the community appreciates the efforts of the government and has decided to support the fight to end the local communist armed conflict. (PNA)

North Cotabato Farmers Receive PHP3.1 Million in Agricultural Assistance from Provincial Government

 Farmers in Arakan and Pigcawayan Receive PHP3.1 Million in Agricultural Aid

ARAKAN, North Cotabato – A total of 800 small-scale farmers in Arakan and Pigcawayan municipality, North Cotabato, have benefited from PHP3.1 million in farm assistance provided by the provincial government, according to an official statement on Thursday.

Governor Emmylou Mendoza emphasized that supporting local farmers is a top priority, particularly in overcoming challenges that affect the agricultural sector.

The distribution of agricultural interventions is part of the regular program of the provincial government aimed at assisting farmers, especially those whose crops have been affected by calamities.

In Arakan, Mayor Jeam Villasor led the distribution ceremony of PHP1.3 million worth of farm inputs to 330 farmer-beneficiaries. The assistance included PHP320,000 worth of certified rice seeds, complete fertilizer amounting to PHP400,000, and PHP585,000 worth of genetically modified corn seeds. Villasor highlighted that these inputs would help farmers reduce capitalization and expenses, ensuring viable yields.

Similarly, in Pigcawayan town, PHP1.8 million worth of farm support was provided to 470 rice and corn farmers. This assistance comprised PHP540,000 in genetically modified corn seeds, PHP560,000 worth of certified rice seeds, and PHP700,000 in complete fertilizer.

Governor Mendoza announced plans to extend similar assistance to other towns in the near future.(PNA)

Iloilo City Achieves 15% Surge in Business Permit Renewals, Signaling Economic Vibrancy for 2024

 

Iloilo City has experienced a notable increase in business permit renewals, marking a 15% rise compared to the same period last year, according to Velma Lao, head of the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion (LEDIP) Office. The Business Permit and Licensing Division (BPLD) issued 14,473 renewal permits from January 1 to 31 this year, surpassing the 12,593 renewals in the corresponding period of 2023 by approximately 1,900.

Lao highlighted the positive sign, indicating a robust and vibrant economy. She emphasized the need to sustain this economic vibrancy, expressing support for local businesses and the continued attraction of new patrons such as tourists, relatives, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and friends.

Business owners are reportedly enthusiastic about conducting business, foreseeing growth in 2024 and expressing confidence in the current business climate.

Lao credited Mayor Jerry Treñas's initiatives for this achievement, including the establishment of a one-stop-shop in four off-site payment centers, in addition to the city hall, contributing to a favorable business environment. The off-site payment centers are situated in SM City Iloilo, Festive Walk Mall at Megaworld, The Atrium, and Marymart Center.

In addition to the increase in permit renewals, Lao highlighted the positive trend of 219 new businesses obtaining permits in January, further contributing to the city's economic activity.(PNA)

Iloilo Governor Assures Support and Innovative Measures for Farmers Amid El Niño Challenges

 

Iloilo Governor Ensures Support for Farmers Amidst El Niño Impact

Governor Arthur Defensor of Iloilo City affirmed the provincial government's readiness to assist farmers affected by the El Niño phenomenon on Thursday.

We are ready to provide input assistance from our disaster funds. As part of our measures, considering the reduced water availability due to El Niño, we are prepared to enhance our small-scale irrigation projects with allocated budget," stated Defensor during a media briefing.

Rather than offering cash assistance, the governor emphasized the initiative to secure insurance for eligible farmers. This approach ensures that when farmers face losses, they can benefit from the government's comprehensive insurance policy.

Defensor detailed these measures within the agriculture and fisheries extension program, specifically the 2023-2024 Agriculture and Fisheries Mitigation Programs and Rehabilitation Plan. A noteworthy aspect is the allocation of PHP15 million for the Sustainable Insurance from the Government for Upscaling and Revitalizing the Agri-fishery Development and Opportunities (SIGURADO) program.

The SIGURADO program aims to cover farmers not enrolled with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) but listed with the Registry System for the Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA). Implementation is slated to begin this year.

Meanwhile, the Iloilo Provincial Agriculture Office is currently validating drought damage reports from eight municipalities, covering 2,586.30 hectares with an estimated cost of approximately PHP100 million. The exact figure is pending, as the effects of El Niño are progressively reported. The municipalities affected include Tigbauan, Oton, Tubungan, Anilao, San Enrique, Cabatuan, Barotac Nuevo, and Miag-ao, with a partial report indicating total and partial damages to standing crops in various areas.(PNA)

Government's Cash-for-Work Program Provides Relief to Farmers in Laoag City Amidst Calamities

 

Laoag City – Farmers in this city express gratitude for the government's cash-for-work initiative designed to aid farmers affected by calamities and the prevailing dry spell.

On Thursday, 1,152 farmers received compensation of PHP4,350 each for their 10-day community service through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The payout ceremony took place at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena.

Wilson Calaoagan, a corn farmer from Camanggaan village, conveyed his appreciation for the financial support, intending to utilize it for his family's necessities. Calaoagan shared that they participated in cleaning waterways and rehabilitating damaged roads throughout January, emphasizing his hope for the program's continuity to uplift the income of marginalized workers.

Roy Duldulao from Barangay Navotas-B echoed the sentiment, stating that the timely distribution of cash is crucial for covering his daughter's school allowance. Expressing gratitude in Ilokano, the local dialect, Duldulao acknowledged the opportunity to benefit from the long-known cash-for-work program.

This initiative, aimed at assisting impoverished farmers during crises, has been allocated over PHP50 million this year. The funding is a collaborative effort between the DSWD and the Ilocos Norte provincial government. A total of 11,673 beneficiaries are set to receive cash assistance under the program this month(PNA)