Home Headlines Delta readies P51-M for El Niño response

Delta readies P51-M for El Niño response

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Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda presides over PDRRMC meeting. Photo: Daniel Ombina/Pampanga PIO

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—The Pampanga Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Tuesday approved the realignment of P20 million to respond to the impact of El Niño, raising the budget to assist farmers, fishermen and livestock growers to P51 million, PDRRM Office chief Angelina Blanco said.

In a report to Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda, provincial agriculturist Jimmy Manliclic said drought and its related effects have affected 814 farmers tilling 1,230 hectares, with damaged crops amounting to P57.5 million.

The drought in particular affected 158 farmers cultivating 254.8 hectares with damages put at P7.6 million in the towns of Mexico, Minalin, Apalit, Macabebe, and Sta. Rita.

Manliclic noted that “drought stress also weakens crops, making them more susceptible to pest infestations,” with the brown plant hopper (BPH) wreaking havoc in 33 barangays in San Luis, Mexico, Sta. Ana, Candaba, San Simon, Apalit and Floridablanca, affecting 656 farmers growing crops in 975.2 hectares. The damages reached P49.9 million.

“Total damages due to El Niño-related problems in the province is currently estimated at around P57.45 million,” Manliclic said.

The El Niño response fund consists of a total of P31 million from the PDRRMC and P20 million from the 20% Development Fund, said Blanco who also serves as special assistant to the governor.

With the fund, cooperatives can receive fuel and electric subsidies, she said.

Governor Pineda assured support to the local agricultural sector. “Nakahanda po ang inyong provincial government sa pagtulong sa mga maaapektuhan ng tagtuyot. P51 milyon po ang inisyal na pondo. I’m sure po susuportahan po ako ng sangguniang panlalawigan sakaling mangailangan pa ng dagdag na pondo.”

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