THE Task Force El Niño revealed that the agricultural damage in Western Visayas and Zamboanga Peninsula due to the El Niño phenomenon is now at P151.3 million.

According to Presidential Communication Office Assistant Secretary Joel Villarama, the  task force’s spokesperson, among those greatly affected come from Regions 6 and 9.

So far it has affected some 4,000 farmers.

“Ang pinsala diyan sa huling tala ng Department of Agriculture, umabot na sa P151.3 million. Ang bulk niyan mga 93% ay sa palay at ‘yung remaining 6% ay sa mais. Ito na ‘yung mga hindi na maisasalba na crops,” he said.

Likewise, Villarama noted that some 4,000 farmers that were directly affected by the phenomenon will be receiving assistance from the DA and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

There are several strategies in farming that have been put in place among which include the alternate wetting and drying as well as a quick turnaround which the farmers could explore to continue planting rice.

“In the meantime, bibigyan muna ng ayuda ang mga farmers na naapektuhan. Tapos bibigyan sila ng alternative na pwedeng pagkakitaan... Namigay ng mga domestic animals, ng livestock para 'yun muna ang alternative na pagkakitaan ng mga magsasaka. Patuloy ang pagbibigay ng heat tolerant, heat resistant na punla,” he added.