Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) said Wednesday it is expecting the downloading of PHP6.2 billion in funds to support Filipino farmers and fishers ahead of the 'very strong' El Ni±o. The fund will be disbursed to the DA under the administration's Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT).
According to Philippines News Agency, in a press briefing, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa stated that this budget will help cushion the impact of rising fuel and farm input costs, as well as the "challenging" effect of the El Ni±o phenomenon in 2027. "We do not see an impact of El Ni±o on our overall supply. It will be the first semester next year," he said. The phenomenon is projected to begin in the fourth quarter of the year, potentially affecting upcoming rice production for the dry harvest season in 2027.
De Mesa elaborated on the DA's strategy, highlighting efforts to maximize yields in areas less affected by El Ni±o. "Ang isa sa mga gagawin talaga ng DA is to maximize 'yung yield doon sa mga areas na hindi apektado ng El Ni±o," he said. He further explained the request for funds under the UPLIFT budget, emphasizing the need for fertilizer and fuel assistance in preparation for El Ni±o.
Currently, the DA is awaiting the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the PHP6.2 billion funding from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). De Mesa noted that the budget under UPLIFT could be used to release fuel subsidies to registered farmers and fishers, as well as provide fertilizer support. As of August 28, the price of urea-prilled (46-0-0) ranges from PHP2,207.33 to PHP2,768.8 per 50-kg. bag, while the prevailing price of urea-granular is between PHP2,442.37 and PHP1,952.04 per 50-kg. bag of complete (14-14-14) fertilizer, as reported by the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority.
Additionally, De Mesa mentioned a request for an additional PHP10 billion dedicated to El Ni±o response under the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP). The DA is also advocating for increased support for solar irrigation projects to mitigate the phenomenon's impact. Currently, they are requesting about PHP5 billion, significantly higher than the proposed PHP500 million allocation under the proposed 2027 NEP.
