CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- With the foreseen onset of El Niño, the Regional Development Council (RDC)-X adopted a plan that outlines the measures to mitigate the potential effects of the phenomenon on the agriculture sector.
The Northern Mindanao El Niño Mitigation Action Plan for Agriculture was approved by the Council during its 134th Full Council meeting, June 21, after it was presented by the Economic Development Committee chaired by Iligan City Mayor Frederick Siao.
Siao said the plan supports the region’s strategy to develop and mainstream early warning or anticipatory systems for the agriculture, fishery, and forestry sector.
The plan includes preparatory activities, optimization of production in non-vulnerable areas, saving production in vulnerable areas through appropriate water management and other related interventions, and rehabilitation of vulnerable areas through the provision of agricultural inputs and stock infusion.
The Council also approved the endorsement of the said plan to the Department of Agriculture (DA) Central Office for funding.
The plan proposes a total of P61.1 million to fund related programs and activities of which P36.5 million or 59.74% is for funding by the DA Central Office, while P24.6 million or 40.26% is for regular funding for 2023.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) earlier issued an advisory for the likelihood of El Niño developing between July to September 2023, and to persist until the first quarter of 2024. (APB/PIA-10)
