THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) XI has laid out a ₱729.11-million El Niño Action Plan to mitigate climate risks, protect crop yields, and assist local farmers affected by dry spells across Southern Mindanao.
This was according to Joe del Leliza, DA XI Disaster Risk Reduction Management Division focal person, during the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps forum held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, Oct. 28.
The bulk of the action plan budget—totaling ₱678.73 million—is allocated toward maximizing agricultural production in non-vulnerable areas.
An additional ₱40.41 million is set aside for preparatory activities, while ₱9.97 million will fund interventions aimed at saving existing production in vulnerable agricultural zones.
As part of its 2026 Quick Response Fund (QRF) roadmap, the regional agriculture office has outlined emergency procurement and funding requests covering rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock, and pest management.
Under the QRF framework for moisture-stress-affected farmers, DA XI is proposing a ₱136.53-million package.
This includes ₱30.56 million for rice production support (fertilizers, biofertilizers, and irrigation facilities), ₱48.35 million for corn planting materials and fertilizers, and ₱34.02 million for high-value vegetable seeds and supplies.
To combat extreme drought conditions, the agency has also budgeted ₱6 million for cloud seeding operations in the region.
Furthermore, dedicated El Niño QRF interventions worth ₱137.56 million feature ₱42.4 million in rice sector support, ₱17.62 million in veterinary biologics and feed supplements for livestock, and ₱32.5 million for crop pest management—including bactericides, insecticides, and pheromone lures against Fall Armyworm.
Meanwhile, ongoing QRF procurement already includes ₱66.33 million in regional support, prioritizing hybrid yellow corn seeds (₱27 million), bio-fertilizers, and high-value crop inputs.
The DA XI official emphasized that early distribution of climate-resilient seeds, soil ameliorants, and irrigation pumps remains critical to safeguarding regional food security against prolonged dry spells.
