Bicol braces for El Niño with P3.3-B aid package for agri sector

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay — The Department of Agriculture (DA) Bicol is preparing P3.3 billion in assistance and other interventions for farmers and fisherfolk as the region braces for El Niño in the last quarter of 2026.

DA Bicol information officer Lovella Guarin said the package covers crop insurance, irrigation, seeds, farm machinery and other support.

The allocation includes P763.8 million for DA Bicol programs; P408.3 million in crop insurance indemnities for 225,736 farmers; P862 million for irrigation; P302.6 million for certified rice seeds; and P249.8 million worth of farm machinery.

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READ: ‘Very strong El Niño’ to persist in PH until early 2027 – Pagasa

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Another P188.7 million is allocated to the Philippine Coconut Authority, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Sugar Regulatory Administration, Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority and Agricultural Training Institute.

More than P520 million in assistance had already been distributed from June to September to farmers affected by the lack of rainfall, Guarin said.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr., during his visit to Camarines Norte and Sorsogon this week, said more than 100 shallow tube wells would be installed in farms with available water sources.

The DA is also procuring fertilizer, solar pumps and irrigation systems and will distribute drought-tolerant crops such as mung beans, corn and selected vegetables. Fuel assistance is planned in November for farmers using machinery and fisherfolk operating boats.

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Meanwhile, the dry spell has caused P235.8 million in agricultural losses, affecting 8,009 farmers. Rice accounted for P192.6 million, or 81 percent of the total, while Masbate reported the largest affected area at 2,794 hectares.

DA Bicol Regional Executive Director Rodel P. Tornilla said DA Bicol will submit a P344-million rehabilitation plan to the DA central office for funding. INQ