- P27 million rehab fund to be earmarked for La Niña: DA XI
THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) XI said a total of P27 million will be allocated as a rehabilitation and recovery fund in preparation for the La Niña phenomenon in Davao Region.
During the Agribiz forum on Aug. 20, Joedel Leliza, DA XI Disaster Risk and Reduction Management alternate focal person, said the budget comprises buffer stock seeds to augment rice and other crops’ production disruption in the region.
“The P27 million will particularly focus on the areas that are most affected based on our historical data,” Leliza said.
Leliza said although they are in preparatory stages for the season, DA already activated their La Niña Task Force to work closely with the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Engr. Alan Ray Ribo, PAGASA Davao Complex Station weather specialist, noted that La Niña will most probably peak by October this year.
“If we’ll go back with the historical data of Davao City, there were high chances of rainfall in the month of October, and kung sasabay man ang La Niña peak on that month, kung maalala ninyo ang easterlies wind na nagkaroon ng flooding noong 2011 sa Davao, posibleng ganoon ang scenario, mauulit ang heavy flooding,” Ribo said.
Ribo said rice production in the region will also be affected due to the probability of above-normal rainfall.
“During October, malakas ang easterlies, and the peak of La Niña, so maraming moisture ang Pacific, malakas ang hangin, pwedeng ang lahat ng moisture ay pumunta sa Davao Region,” he said.
As of this month, Ribo said the region still has a 70% probability for La Niña.
“Bababa ang tubig ulan papunta sa Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, and tributaries will also be coming here in Davao City,” he added.
In line with this, Leliza emphasized the importance of their forums and consultation together with other agencies and provincial mayors in collaboration and preparation for the said season.
“Last year, along with the damage brought by shear line and LPA, our irrigation canals and main rivers had been affected, specifically in Davao de Oro. Almost 4,000 hectares were affected. During the forum and consultation, we requested LGUs to at least clear these canals and main rivers, and reinforce these passages ensuring that no water comes out to our rice fields. Almost 90% of the mayors went to the forum and gave us a positive response about the matter,” he added.
Leliza added the incoming rainy season will affect high-value crops, rice, and corn areas (HVC).
DA XI also released their Regional Seasonal Climate Outlook Advisory based on PAGASA forecast and agro-climatic data and conducted a series of provincial consultations, with the RDRRMC XI.
