By Ernie Delgado
LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has set aside P3.3 billion from its funds to assist farmers and fisherfolk in the Bicol region, which has been severely affected by El Niño, according to the DA regional office.
Lovella Guarin, the DA spokesperson for Bicol, said that most of the assistance will be distributed to farmers and fisherfolk during the last three months of 2026, from October to December, when the climatic phenomenon is expected to reach its peak.
Guarin said on Friday that the DA regional office intends to use P763,800,929 of its funds for this initiative.
The Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) in Bicol has allocated P408,291,691 for insurance indemnification, benefiting 225,736 farmers.
Meanwhile, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Bicol has set aside P861,968,000 for irrigation purposes, and PhilRice Bicol has prepared P302,601,200 for certified seeds.
Additionally, the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization has allocated P249,770,993 worth of farm machinery for distribution in the region.
Other agencies under the DA have also earmarked aid funds for Bicol, including the Philippine Coconut Authority (P98,712,555), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (P55,912,555), the Sugar Regulatory Authority (P10,942,000), the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (P520,640), and the Agricultural Training Institute (P22,687,976).
Guarin said that the DA has already distributed over P520 million in aid to address the rainfall deficit experienced in the region from last June to September.
During a recent visit by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to Camarines Norte and Sorsogon, he announced plans to construct over 100 shallow tube well units in farms equipped with water sources in both provinces.
Laurel also announced that the DA is currently in the procurement stage for additional fertilizer, solar pumps, and solar irrigation systems.
Guarin said that drought-resistant alternative seeds—such as mung beans, corn, and select vegetables—will be distributed as well.
“Furthermore, fuel assistance will be provided in November to farmers who use machinery and to fisherfolk who own boats,” she added.
According to Guarin, El Niño has already caused P235.8 million in agricultural losses in Bicol, affecting 8,009 farmers, with rice suffering the largest losses at P192.55 million, accounting for 81 percent of the total losses.
Masbate recorded the most extensive damage, covering 2,794 hectares, she added.
Guarin said that DA Regional Executive Director Rodel Tornilla plans to secure from their central office an additional P344 million to fund the rehabilitation of agriculture in the region.
Rose Azuela commented on the DA’s relief program, saying that farmers like her desperately need assistance due to the water shortage, which has prevented them from planting crops.
“We need rice right now to eat,” she said in Bicol dialect. (PIA Bicol)
