Senator Urges Urgent Probe on El Niño Impacts, Calls for Assistance to Farmers and Fishermen
Senator Imee Marcos is urging for an urgent investigation into the government’s preparations for the El Niño phenomenon, particularly its adverse impacts on agriculture. During a visit to Tacloban City last Saturday, Marcos emphasized the need to address the concerns of those in the agriculture and fisherfolk sectors who have been severely affected by the dry spell.
“We will convene on Monday and I will request an urgent investigation into the government’s El Niño plans because the impact on us is too severe. It’s really serious,” Marcos stated. She highlighted the urgent necessity to provide assistance to farmers and fishermen who have suffered losses due to the dry spell. The Department of Agriculture (DA) is expected to provide financial aid to rice farmers and subsidies for transport to fisherfolks, according to Marcos.
The senator expressed concern over the delay in providing assistance to farmers and fishermen who are struggling to recover from the damage caused by El Niño. The DA has reported losses exceeding P4 billion in the agriculture sector due to the prolonged dry spell, leading several local governments to declare a state of calamity.
In response to questions about Agriculture Sec. Francisco Laurel Jr.’s performance amid the crisis, Marcos noted that he is relatively new to the position. She criticized the government’s reliance on imports to address supply shortages, stating that it is necessary to provide more assistance to local farmers to improve their yield and income.
Overall, Senator Marcos emphasized the importance of swift action to address the impacts of El Niño on the agriculture and fishing sectors, underscoring the need for government support to help affected communities recover from their losses.
