THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has set aside P10.8 million for mitigating measures against the strong el Niño phenomenon in Cebu this quarter.
Joel Elumba, DA regional technical director, said they have allotted a total of P49.9 million for Central Visayas region.
More than half, or P27.7 million, will go to Bohol which has the biggest agricultural land in the region. Negros Oriental will get P7.1 million while Siquijor will get P3.5 million.
The bulk of the budget will be used to boost rice and other crops to ensure food security in the region while the El Niño rages.
For next year, the DA has requested for P48.7 million to combat the effects of a dry spell or drought. Of the amount, P22.9 million will go to Bohol, P13.8 million to Cebu, P7.7 million to Negros Oriental and P3.6 million for Siquijor.
Elumba was hopeful that the funds will be released by the first quarter or next year because the impact of El Niño is expected to be strongest in January or February.
“As of now, no preventive measures have been used. We have received no reports of damages yet,” he said.
Farmers have also been instructed on what to do in case of drought, he added.