Government Support Initiatives for El Nino-Affected Farmers and Fisherfolk

El Niño, typified by an unusual increase in sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, has a significant negative influence on the livelihoods of Filipino farmers and fishermen, causing prolonged periods of droughts and disruptions to aquatic ecosystems. It takes a diversified approach to overcome these difficulties. Financial aid, such as direct cash gifts and assistance, provides capital to support adaptive practices and immediate relief from the effects of the phenomenon.

To ensure that the needs of affected stakeholders are positively met, last July 11, 2024, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. and other Cabinet members initiated the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families (PAFFF) program in CALABARZON, particularly in San Jose, Batangas, and Dasmariñas City, Cavite. This grant scheme provided assistance to farmers, fishermen, and their families who were impacted by the El Niño phenomenon.

Furthermore, the President offered numerous forms of support, such as different kinds of seeds, fertilizers, farming tools, fishing vessels, carabaos, and immediate economic assistance.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Ralph Recto, Senators Francis Tolentino and Ramon Revilla Jr., and local officials from the five provinces of CALABARZON were among the other high-ranking government officials in attendance during the aid allocation.

In conjunction with these initiatives and to guarantee that the recipients have the knowledge and abilities necessary to adapt to changing climate conditions, the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center CALABARZON (DA-ATI CALABARZON) simultaneously distributed Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials under the direction of Training Center Superintendent II, Dr. Rolando V. Maningas. These strategies have the potential to strengthen resilience and safeguard rural livelihoods in the face of El Niño's disastrous effects.

The DA-ATI CALABARZON staff members who attended and took part in the aforementioned activity were headed by Dr. Maningas for San Jose, Batangas while Assistant Center Director Ms. Sherylou C. Alfaro led the Dasmariñas City, Cavite leg.

Supporting the affected farmers and fishermen after El Niño necessitates a comprehensive plan that includes both financial aid and IEC material distribution. The required monetary assistance is given through direct fund transfers, grants, subsidies, and microfinance structures. Additionally, the propagation of climate-related information, community engagement, and training sessions provide communities with the awareness, knowledge, and practices that must be adapted. DA-ATI CALABARZON contributes to the integration of these methodologies, that can improve the stability of fishing and farming industries in the region, guaranteeing food safety and viable livelihoods in the face of El Niño's challenges.