Philippines to ease drought effects on fish and farm sectors

The Philippine government has earmarked PHP1.7 billion (US$36.4 million) to ease the effects of a drought that is expected to hit the country and damage at least PHP10 billion (US$214.1 million) worth of fish and farm products within the next six months.

The money will be spent on cloud seeding, seed and fertiliser distribution to farmers, and water management.

Agriculture Undersecretary Bernardo Fondevilla said the potential losses could reach PHP20 billion (US$428.2 million) if the dry spell became severe. Funding for the intervention measures may have to be at least doubled if that happens, he said, adding that it is hoped the losses can be kept at minimum levels.

If a moderate El Nino hits the Philippines, at least 273,411 hectares of corn and 16,992 hectares of fisheries would be affected, said Fondevilla. More than 500,000 hectares of rice would also be affected. Given the weather conditions, supply could become an issue.

Weather issues are expected to lower corn production for the January-June 2010 period to 3.21 million tonnes, down 0.29% from the 2009 level.

President Gloria Arroyo has also activated an El Nino task force, which will focus on 23 ''high vulnerable'' and 24 ''moderately vulnerable'' areas.

The highly vulnerable areas are Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, La Union, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Cavite, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Zamboanga City, Sarangani and South Cotabato.

The moderately vulnerable areas are Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Mt. Province, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, Romblon, Sorsogon, Aklan, Antique, Bohol, Samar, Zamboanga Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga Sur, Bukidnon, Davao Oriental, Davao Sur and Davao City.