The city government of San Carlos thru its City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office’s Quick Response Fund, allotted P12M in financial assistance to El Niño phenomenon-affected farmers in the 10 barangays.
City Agriculture’s Office’ Organic Technician Verney Briones said the assistance would significantly benefit high-value crop, banana, coconut, vegetable, and livestock farmers instead. At least 6,000 farmers are expected to receive the aid.
City DRRM Officer Joe Recalex Alingasa Jr. said the assistance delayed due to strict validation procedures, adding that they will prioritize those farmers who haven’t received assistance from the government, which was also unanimously agreed by the barangay officials during their consultative meeting.
Once they have finalized the number of beneficiaries and computations, Mayor Renato Gustilo will endorse it to the Sangguniang Panlungsod for approval, after which the budget will be released for distribution.
In addition to the financial assistance, the barangays through their DRRM Fund, would provide food and non-food items to El Niño affected farmers within their jurisdiction.
Liga ng mga Barangay President Alfredo Martin Cui assured that the Office of Congressman Gerardo Valmayor Jr. of the First District of Negros Occidental would also help farmers recover from their losses.
Moreover, Alingasa and Local DRRM Assistant Lee Roble also discussed with the barangay representatives the preparedness measures and actions for La Niña.
The City Agriculture’s Office reported about the armyworm infestation affecting 359 corn farmers and that the office is actively providing gallons of insecticide to stop the infestation.
