The Department of Agriculture-Davao (DA-11) has allocated some P24.5 million for rehabilitation and assistance to farmers affected by the prolonged drought.

According to the DA-11, more than 500 farmers and 11,547 hectares of rice field in the region have already been affected by El Niño. Around 227 hectares of rice field, mostly in Davao del Sur, could still be salvaged while 320 hectares are said to be irrecoverable.

Most of the crops affected are upland vegetables.

“Gastusin natin ang budget natin for the farmers and whatever support. It will go directly to the beneficiaries,” DA-11 Director, Macario Gonzaga, said.

Farmers in Davao City are also facing an irrigation problem. Vegetables like eggplant, lettuce, and tomatoes are affected because of lack of water supply.

“Kami nga naa sa upland wala pa gyud nakaput-up og maayong irrigation nga gitawag nga water catchment. Depende mi sa ulan butang nato sa akong farm nako anaa sa 30-40% ang reduction sa production tungod sa kainit,” a farmer, Bong Cajes, said.

In Soccsksargen region, the dry spell has also damaged several crops, including high-value crops and rice and corn fields.

"Yung Region 12 is one of the regions na severely affected ng drought dahil nga po ilang months na rin tayong hindi nakakaranas ng pag-ulan,” DA-12 DRRMC Focal Person, Paul Apad, said.

"Possible meron po tayong ibibigay na cash assistance or ayuda at the same time naka-standby na rin po yung ating interventions,” Apad added.

Meanwhile, a state of calamity has been declared in Maguindanao del Sur.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform, the damage to agriculture in the province has reached P345 million.

The local government is looking into possible assistance for the more than 5,000 farmers affected while damage assessment continues.