MANILA, Philippines — The government has provided a total of P1.1 billion worth of assistance to communities affected by the El Niño phenomenon, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. (NDRRMC).
The assistance was provided to communities in Bicol, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Central Visayas, the Cordilleras, Davao region, Ilocos region, Eastern Visayas, Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos), Western Visayas and Zamboanga peninsula as well as in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The El Niño phenomenon has affected up to 175,063 farmers and fisherfolk nationwide.
The NDRRMC estimated the total amount of damage to agriculture at P9.5 billion or equivalent to 415,463.58 tons in production losses.