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THE OFFICIAL E-NEWSLETTER OF THE PHILIPPINE INFORMATION AGENCY - SIQUIJOR | WWW.PIA.GOV.PH and the DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - SIQUIJOR | WWW.DOST.GOV.PH VOL. 4| NO. 19 June 2-9, 2016
Siquijor agri authorities call for quick response to El Nino hit sectors by Rizalie Anding Calibo SIQUIJOR, June 8 (PIA) – Agriculture authorities here led by the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) and Department of AgricultureProvincial Agricultural Technology Coordinating Office (DA-PATCO) are calling for a speedy resolution of the province’s declaration of a state of calamity due to the El Niño phenomenon. Provincial Veterinarian Bernardita Tabada and PATCO director Bernadith Bunado said they have presented to the Provincial Governor their assessment of the El Nino damage to crops and livestock as well as their Response Plan that would push him and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to make a resolution for the declaration. Siquijor has been affected by El Nino that recently hit the country and that agriculture sector suffers the most, affecting the farmers’ livelihood and income and threatening the province’s food security. Immediate interventions should be made to restore food production and income generation, the agriculture authorities said in its comprehensive report to the governor. I n t h e a b s e n c e o f t i m e l y, appropriate and adequate assistance, the already dire situation will worsen in the communities as the availability of and access to food and their capacity to address their basic household needs are reduced. The same report added that if the response is insufficient or delayed, the recovery will remain difficult as it is expected that stronger typhoons will hit the province in the following months. Tabada said local government units (LGUs) should likewise do their part
Provincial Veterinarian Bernardita Tabada (speaking) and PATCO Director Bernadith S. Bunado (seated left) expressed the urgency to address the needs of the El Nino hit sectors in the province and calls for a speedy resolution for the declaration of a State of Calamity during the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) meeting held at the SP Session Hall at the Provincial Capitol. (rac/PIA7-Siquijor) in addressing the problem and should always make a part of their governance the concern for farmers through proper allocation of budget and quick response programs to whoever affected constituents. As far as livestock is concerned, Tabada said the OPV for their part, has conducted ambulatory clinics to affected barangays while damage assessment was on-going. She said that following their one-week assessment of the El Nino damage, she has called for the realignment of PVO budget for the emergency purchase of livestock and poultry vaccines, electrolytes, vitamins and minerals, and antibiotic as their
immediate response to the situation. Request for funding from the national government through the Department of Agriculture was likewise made, she said. Meanwhile, Provincial Governor and Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) Chair Zaldy Villa has approved the El Nino Response Plan and recommended to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan the passing of a resolution for the declaration. But PDDRMC Coordinator Blezel Mae Omictin said that as of press time, the council is waiting for the confirmation of the minutes prior to the resolution and final declaration. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor)