Fisherfolk, farmers get P10T aid

CEBU, Philippines — A total of 602 Boholano fisherfolk and farmers whose livelihood have been affected by climate challenges recently received monetary benefits to help them recover.

Through the Presidential Assistance for Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families (PAFF), the provincial government of Bohol distributed P10,000 to the each of the beneficiaries last November 8, 2024, at the New Capitol Building in Tagbilaran City.

Five municipalities with fisherfolk and farmers received support, including 41 from Balilihan, 191 from Sikatuna, 113 from Duero, 111 from Calape, and 146 from Trinidad.

In a press release from the Department of Agriculture (DA)-7, Roman Dabalos, the Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer (APCO) for Bohol, it noted that the initiative is part of efforts to help farmers and fisherfolk rebuild after the hardships caused by the recent El Niño phenomenon, which had significant effects on agricultural productivity in the region.

"Hinaot nga mas molambo pa ang agrikultura sa Bohol pinaagi aning P10K og uban pang intervention mga gihatag sa DA, ug pahugtan pa ninyo ang inyong panaghugpong aron ang umaabot nga magamit pa sa sunod na henerasyon," said Dabalos.

Vice Governor Tita Virtudazo Baja also addressed the beneficiaries, emphasizing the importance of passing farming skills to the younger generation.

"Ako kamong gihangyo na i-matoto ug tudluan ang atong mga anak sa mga buhatonon sa umahan kay usa kini ka paagi sa pagpangga aron makamao ang atong mga anak na manginabuhi. Aron sa hangtod kamao na sila mobarog sa ilang kaugalingong mga tiil," said the vice governor.

Climate change impact

In relation to climate change matters, the chief of DA-7 Research Division, Dr. Fabio Enriquez, shared during the Post-SONA Forum yesterday in Tuburan, Cebu, that farmers are affected by changing weather patterns, particularly more frequent typhoons, and fluctuating temperatures or the hot and cold variations in the climate.

“This climate impact not only threatens our food security but also the livelihoods of millions of our Filipino farmers who depend on the land and their sustenance and well-being,” said Enriquez.

Statistics showed that 98.4 percent of production loss from 2013 until 2022 are due to climate-related hazards with typhoons being the most destructive. That percentage amounts to almost P305 billion production loss.

Climate change refers to a long-term shift in temperatures and weather patterns which is caused by the natural variability which relates to the changes in the solar activities or large volcanic eruptions, as well as the human-induced activities just like burning of fossil fuels like oil, gas, and coal.

Enriquez explained that the earth is steadily warming, and that the oceans are being affected, impacting corals, sea levels, and ocean warming.

In the Philippines, some observed changes in weather and climate are status like temperatures becoming hotter and wetter, more frequent and stronger typhoons, longer periods of drought, and the climate abnormalities.

With these phenomena, Enriquez shared that the impact of agriculture in typhoons is widespread damage to crops, livestock and agricultural infrastructure. While flooding destroys crops, erodes fertile soils and disrupts the agri-supply chain.

Moreover, the effect of drought includes crop losses and reduced agricultural productivity. Water scarcity on the other hand, affects irrigation systems and livestock management.

“Changing climate conditions favor the spread and proliferation of crop pests and diseases where new invasive species are emerging posing additional threats to the farmers’ production,” Enriquez further said. — (FREEMAN)