2 Mayol 2024, Huwebes
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Cloud seeding in El Niño-hit areas readied
By Nidz Godino
“Cloud seeding is our last resort…so far, cloud seeding operations have been done in Quirino, Isabela, specifically in Magat Watershed…they are still on standby for seedable clouds,” Agriculture Assistant Secretary and spokesman Arnel de Mesa said cloud seeding operations are being readied in areas affected by El Niño phenomenon.
De Mesa said Bureau of Soil and Water Management and concerned DA regional directors are coordinating with Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Office of Civil Defense and Philippine Air Force on cloud seeding activities.
He noted standby fund was also allocated in Region 6 or Western Visayas for possible cloud seeding operations.
“If there will be seedable clouds, in coordination with PAGASA and Philippine Air Force, cloud seeding operations will be done,” De Mesa said.
He stressed Western Visayas was among El Niño’s hardest-hit regions as total damage to agriculture sector there has reached P1.02 billion.
De Mesa pointed out cloud seeding operations were effective as rains were experienced in watersheds of reservoir.
“Rains happened in reservoir as before it was done, concerned officials checked on seedable clouds…cloud seeding is good if rains will come in intended areas…it is last resource as it is costly, that is why chance of success should be high,” he said.
At least P2.26 billion worth of interventions have been provided to farmers and fisherfolk after total damage of El Niño in 11 regions has reached P4.39 billion, according to DA official.
“DA has provided P2.16 billion worth of interventions to our farmers and fishers, including P1.065 billion worth of rice farmers’ financial assistance… P5,000 being given to farmers with two hectares, and then we also provided P638 million worth of inputs…these are seeds, fertilizers and the like,” he said.
He added at least P295 million worth of small-scale irrigation projects were provided by DA and P77.5 million in survival and recovery loans to affected farmers.
“Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. provided indemnification to about 7,322 farmers, totaling about P68 million…our livestock program provided more than 60,000 animals and our Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has provided about 111 alternative livelihood projects for affected fishers,” he said.
Aside from Western Visayas, affected by El Niño are whole of Luzon, including Cordillera Administrative Region, Regions 1 (Ilocos), 2 (Cagayan Valley), 3 (Central Luzon), 4-A (Calabarzon), 4-B (Mimaropa), 5 (Bicol) and Mindanao, including Regions 9 (Zamboanga peninsula), 11 (Davao) and 12 (Soccsksargen).
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