The Provincial Agriculture Office proposed a P53.02 million mitigation plan to help farmers and fisherfolk cope with super El Niño effects like prolonged heat and water shortages.
Provincial Agriculturist Roldan Saragena stated that funding will come from disaster risk reduction funds, with the largest allocation going toward organic fertilizer, water equipment, and heat-tolerant crops.
The plan includes provisions for heat-tolerant seeds, pest-control supplies, gasoline-powered water pumps, and fish aggregating devices to support food production and soil moisture management.
THE Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) is proposing a P53.02 million mitigation plan to help farmers and fisherfolk cope with the expected effects of super El Niño, including prolonged heat, water shortages and possible pest infestations.
Provincial Agriculturist Roldan Saragena told reporters Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, that the proposed funding will come from the Provincial Government’s disaster risk reduction funds.
Under the plan, farmers will receive heat-tolerant seeds and planting materials, organic fertilizer, pest-control supplies and water equipment. Fish aggregating devices will also be provided to support the fisheries sector.
Funding priorities
The largest allocation is P38.25 million for 51,000 bags of organic fertilizer, followed by P5 million for 2,000 plastic drums and P3 million for 3 million sweet potato cuttings.
The plan also includes P1.392 million for 116 gasoline-powered water pumps, P1.044 million for 116 rolls of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) farm hose and P1 million for 1,000 bottles of pest-control chemicals.
Another P490,000 is allocated for 2,450 kilograms of mungbean seeds, while P805,000 will fund 7,000 packs of assorted vegetable seeds.
The fisheries sector is also included, with P2.04 million set aside for 102 fish aggregating devices.
Heat-tolerant crops
Saragena said the selected crops were chosen partly for their ability to withstand heat and help farmers continue food production during dry conditions.
Sweet potato is among the crops suited for hotter conditions because it can tolerate heat and also serves as ground cover.
“Sweet potato cuttings... usa man gud na siya sa crop nga mo-survive og ting-init (Sweet potato cuttings... because it is one of the crops that can survive the dry season),” he said.
He said the crop’s growth and large leaves can cover much of the soil surface, helping prevent the soil from drying quickly.
Sweet potato can also serve as an alternative food source, particularly when mixed with rice or corn as part of household food consumption, he said.
Mungbean is another crop included in the plan. Saragena said it is relatively tolerant of heat and can provide an alternative source of protein.
It can also be intercropped with corn and help increase nitrogen availability in the soil through nitrogen-fixing bacteria associated with its roots.
The plan also provides 7,000 packs of assorted vegetable seeds, including varieties that Saragena said can tolerate periods of high temperatures.
Pest control and soil moisture
Another P1 million is allocated for 1,000 bottles of standby chemicals for pest infestations.
Saragena said periods of high temperatures followed by intermittent rain could trigger pest outbreaks in production areas.
Among the pests affecting corn are fall armyworm and corn stem borer, he said.
The Province plans to use environment-friendly or “green”-classified chemicals for pest control.
Saragena also said organic fertilizer can help maintain soil moisture.
“Ang organic fertilizer, mora na siyag espongha sa yuta ba. Makakuha siyag moisture, dugay na mauga (Organic fertilizer is like a sponge in the soil. It absorbs moisture, so the soil takes longer to dry out),” he said.
He said organic fertilizer has a longer-term effect on soil than inorganic fertilizer, which acts more quickly.
Water and fisheries support
The proposed plan includes 116 gasoline-powered water pumps worth P1.392 million, 116 rolls of HDPE farm hose worth P1.044 million and 2,000 200-liter plastic drums worth P5 million.
The equipment will help farmers manage their water needs during periods of reduced rainfall.
For the fisheries sector, P2.04 million is allocated for 102 fish aggregating devices.
With a total proposed budget of P53.02 million, the plan will provide farmers and fisherfolk with inputs and equipment as the province prepares for prolonged heat and dry conditions. / CDF