El Niño damage hits P151 million in Western Visayas, Zamboanga peninsula

MANILA, Philippines — Citing data from the agriculture department, Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Joey Villarama yesterday said the amount of damage caused by El Niño in Western Visayas and Zamboanga peninsula has reached P151.3 million.

Rice accounted for a huge bulk or 93 percent of the damaged crops while corn constituted six percent of the affected farm products.

A total of 41 provinces are affected by El Niño, 17 of them experiencing dry conditions, 10 grappling with dry spell and 14 facing drought.

“The figure may rise. We are still in the middle of February. We will have another assessment and the number of affected provinces will increase,” Villarama said.

He gave an assurance that the government’s El Niño task force is assisting the 4,000 farmers affected by the phenomenon.

Villarama said agencies are finding ways so farmers can still plant crops despite the high temperatures, adding that farmers were given aid, heat-tolerant and heat-resistant seeds and livestock to serve as an alternative source of livelihood.

The government is also monitoring the water quality and temperature of fisheries, he said.

The agriculture department previously said the supply of rice, corn, pork, chicken and other commodities are “very stable” and there would be no problems in the coming months.

The government yesterday called for “behavioral change” to mitigate the impact of El Niño, which is expected to be felt until May or June.

Villarama said while the Marcos administration is working to mitigate the effects of El Niño, the public can contribute by conserving water and electricity.

“We are also asking for your help so we can overcome the possible impact of El Niño in terms of small behavioral changes, like conserving water, conserving power and conserving food,” Villarama, spokesman for the government’s El Niño task force, told dzBB.

He reminded the public to turn off electronic appliances that are not in use. He also advised consumers against the extended use of water and electricity.

“There would be a disruption in the supply if the use of electricity and water is extended,” Villarama said.

When asked about the use of inflatable pools to beat the