(Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

Noting that El Niño could have "devastating" effects on local agriculture--particularly on rice supply--Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has asked the government to fast-track the delivery of financial support for farmers adversely affected by the dry spell. 

Gatchalian made this call even as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasted that El Niño would further intensify and could reach its peak this month. 

“The disruption of El Niño on the agriculture sector could be devastating to the economy and to our farmers as we have seen in previous El Niño episodes and thus the need for a timely release of fund support for farmers in areas affected by El Niño,” the lawmaker said. 

“It is important that we have funds to provide the necessary support to protect our farmers’ investments and to revive their crops. We have to be ready to aid our agriculture sector, especially the rice sector, to guarantee the availability and supply of agricultural products,” Gatchalian said. 

What's worse is the supply of the country’s staple grain could take a hit no thanks to El Niño. 

Citing data provided by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the Task Force El Niño said the dry spell has affected more than 50,000 farmers, mostly rice farmers. 

“We might have a shortage of rice because of the intense heat. And the Department of Agriculture should take a good look at our rice supply now and in the next 6 months. And if we have no choice, it is important that we have access to imported rice from Vietnam, India, or other countries,” the senator said. 

He noted that the principal agencies that are part of the Task Force El Niño have their regular budgets and the quick response fund. 

If these fall short, the budget can be sourced through other avenues through the appropriate process as long as it is approved by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). 

“Let's take action on the problem. Because if this El Niño worsens, many things will be affected such as electricity, food, and livelihood,” Gatchalian concluded. 

Data also shows that the country’s estimated cost of agricultural damage because of El Niño has reached P2.63 billion to date. Nearly 20 local government units (LGUs) have declared states of calamities in their respective areas as a result.