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)
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