The provincial government of Negros Oriental has, so far, distributed rice assistance to about 6,788 farmers, who were badly hit by the El Niño-triggered drought, to tide them over while recouping their losses.
The latest distribution was in Sta. Catalina town July 15, Provincial Agriculture Office chief Emmanuel Caduyac said.
Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria led the distribution of 25-kilo rice bags each to 2,000 beneficiaries in that southern town, alongside local officials, he said.
In the summer of 2024, the municipality of Sta. Catalina faced a dire situation as the El Niño phenomenon struck the area, causing significant damage to agricultural crops, the Capitol said in a press release July 16, adding that the town was later placed under a state of calamity.
The distribution of rice assistance was carried out, in collaboration with Mayor Peve Ligan and other local officials, demonstrating a united effort to support the affected farmers during this challenging time.
Providing assistance to farmers helped address their immediate needs, alleviate their burden, and underscore the importance of government support in times of environmental adversity, the Capitol said.
This is the sixth area for rice assistance from the provincial government, with funds amounting to P20 million and charged to the Quick Response Fund of the province’s Calamity Fund.
Earlier rice distribution included those in Dauin with 1,000 beneficiaries, Zamboanguita, 1,000; Bais City, 288; Tanjay City, 2,000; and Mabinay with 500 recipients, as per a Philippine News Agency report.
Caduyac said distribution of the rice assistance is set in Bindoy and Ayungon on July 18.
A report from the Department of Agriculture earlier said some 22,000 farmers and fisherfolk in the province were hit by the El Niño. ||
