Farmers still waiting for cold spell aid

THE Cebu city government yesterday declared a “State of Preparedness” for the expected onset of the El Niño weather phenomenon in June.

However, City Hall has yet to make good its promise to release aid to farmers affected by the cold spell that hit upland barangays last January.

The city is still completing the purchase of seeds that are resistant to cold weather, said City Agriculturist Joey Baclayon.

“Hopefully by June, we will be distributing the assistance to the farmers for the cold spell. This include seeds which are more resistant to cold weather,” Baclayon said.

City aid worth P2.2 million was set aside for the cold spell. He said P850,000 worth of seeds from the Department Agriculture were distributed to farmers.

In yesterday’s City Council session, the declaration of a ‘State of Preparedness’ directed all departments to submit action plans for the El Nino.

“Several ill effects are expected to result from the dry season such as very low agricultural production, scarce food supplies, undesirable state of health of the people, high mortality of livestock and farm animals,” said Councilor Mary Ann Delos Santos.

The City Council had earlier approved P5.2 million for the El Niño.

The amount is for veterinary medicine and equipment, irrigation support system, low-cost facilities to minimize the impact of heat, and seed varieties that can withstand high temperatures.
Another P5 million was allocated earlier to respond to emergencies related to the dry spell.