Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 3) — A farmers’ group is asking the government to provide ₱15,000 to agricultural workers and fisherfolk in anticipation of the effects of El Niño.
The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) said the subsidy will help workers in the sector amid production challenges with the expected onset of El Niño, a weather phenomenon which may trigger a dry spell and drought in the country.
Citing government data, the group said there are around 13.6 million fishery and agricultural workers across the archipelago.
Aside from cash aid, the KMP is also appealing for water for irrigation and seeds for their crops.
However, the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) said it will reduce the allocation for irrigation from 30 cubic meters per second to 10 cubic meters per second before totally suspending it by May 10.
NWRB Executive Director Sevillo David Jr. said the decision was made after considering that farms would require less water when the harvesting season approaches.
The state weather bureau raised the El Niño alert on Tuesday. It said the weather phenomenon may emerge by June, July or August and may persist until the first quarter of 2024.
