Agriculture chief backs state of calamity call as 'Super El Niño' looms
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has endorsed a proposal to declare a nationwide state of calamity due to the threat of a 'Super El Niño.' This declaration would allow the government to access emergency funds and implement price freezes to mitigate crop damage.
Why it matters
Proactive climate management is essential for food security and economic stability in the Philippines, where agriculture is highly vulnerable to extreme weather.
Manila Bulletin - Agriculture chief backs state of calamity call as ‘Super El Niño’ looms
Agriculture chief backs state of calamity call as 'Super El Niño' looms
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. endorsed a proposal to declare a nationwide state of calamity, seeking to unlock emergency funding and government powers to offset mounting crop damage from a severe El Niño phenomenon. The Department of Agriculture (DA) chief threw his weight behind a recommendation made by Sen. Francis Pangilinan, chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, who urged proactive state intervention as prolonged dry conditions threaten farm output across five regions.
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