DA, NIA ask for more funding in 2027 as response to El Niño effects

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) and National Irrigation Administration (NIA) on Tuesday appealed for budget increases in some of their projects to respond to the possible impacts of El Niño in the country.

During the House committee on appropriations’ briefing on the budget proposal of the two agencies, committee chairperson Rep. Mikaela Suansing asked both agencies if they allotted contingency funds under the 2027 National Expenditure Program for possible effects of El Niño on farmers and fisherfolk.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said that his agency needs budget increases for the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk (PAF), noting that the distribution rate of PAF for this year stood at 57.67 percent and may be exhausted by next month due to the effects of southwest monsoon to the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk.

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READ: Not only drought but floods: What to expect from severe El Niño?

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He added that the agency needs another P8.7 billion for the fertilizer assistance funds for farmers and additional P10 billion to P12 billion for fisherfolk under the programs of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

READ: NIA seeks funding increase in proposed 2027 budget

Meanwhile, NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen asked the House lawmakers for an increase in the agency’s quick response fund (QRF). He shared that the NIA only has P300 million allotted for its QRF this year, which he said will not be enough.

Suansing then asked them to categorize the items allotted for El Niño response, noting that this is for them to give special consideration to their requests.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration earlier said that a moderate to strong El Niño is present in the Tropical Pacific. Citing climate models, it added that El Niño will persist until the first half of 2027 and may reach a very strong state until the end of 2026. /cb