By Rhaydz Barcia

LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Agriculture in Bicol has allotted P3.3 billion budget for farm interventions to help the region’s farmers and fisherfolk mitigate the impact of El Niño, DA regional spokesman Lovela Guarin said.

Guarin said the amount will be disbursed in the last three months of the year.

Guarin said P763,800,929 has been allocated for Bicol’s banner programs, locally funded initiatives, and special projects.

The Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) has set aside P408,291,691 for insurance indemnification benefiting 225,736 farmers. The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) meanwhile allocated P861,968,000 for irrigation purposes, PhilRice Bicol prepared P302,601,200 for certified seeds, while PhilMech readied P249,770,993 worth of agricultural machinery for distribution in Bicol.

The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) regional office also allocated P98,712,555; BFAR, P55,912,555; the Sugar Regulatory Authority, P10,942,000, PhilFIDA, P520,640; and ATI P22,687,976.         Guarin said that the DA office in Bicol already distributed over P520 million in aid to address the rainfall shortage experienced from June to September.

Damage to agriculture has reached P235,827,500, affecting 8,009 farmers. Rice crops sustained the heaviest damage amounting to P192,552,914, which accounts for 81 percent of the total losses. Masbate recorded the most extensive damage, affecting 2,794 hectares.

DA Bicol regional executive director Rodel Tornilla said his office is preparing the rehabilitation plan to be submitted to their central office for funding approval worth more than P344 million.

Earlier, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced the construction of over 100 shallow tube wells in farmlands with available water sources in these provinces during his recent visit to Camarines Norte and Sorsogon.

Laurel said the procurement stage for additional fertilizers, solar pumps, and solar irrigation systems, as well as drought-resistant seeds such as mung beans, corn, and select vegetables, will also be distributed.

Fuel assistance will be provided in November to farmers using machinery and to fisherfolk with boats.

Published Date: October 5, 2026