The El Niño phenomenon damage to rice production in Bacolod City reached P226,800 as of March 1, 2010, a partial report from the Bacolod City Agriculture Office showed.

City Agriculturist and acting City Administrator, Goldwyn Nifras, yesterday said the barangays affected by the dry spell are Pahanonoy and Cabug, involving an area of 7.38 hectares.

He said that, based on the report submitted by acting City Agriculturist Romeo Garcia, about seven farmers have been affected by the El Niño, with an estimated production loss of 15.12 metric tons equivalent to P226,800.

Nifras said they expect crop damage reports to come in more often as the dry spell continues. There are still other areas that they expect to also be affected, he said.

“As far as damage to agriculture is concerned, we are providing vegetables seeds to the farmers to help them deal with the situation until such time that they can regularly plant their major crop which is rice,” Nifras said.

He said they are also requesting that the P100,000 financial assistance, which the El Niño Task Force has proposed to give the provincial government for its cloud seeing operation, will be included in the supplemental budget.

Meanwhile, Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said he has requested the group of Alangilan Parish priest Fr. Farley Ray Santillan and Fr. Ernie Larida to put in writing their observations, considering that there is a pending quarry application, so the city can take a serious look at it.

Some residents of Alangilan opposing the quarry operations in their barangay have sought the help of the Church.

Leonardia said they are also verifying reports that there is an outbreak of some diseases in the area.

Before they make a decision, they will listen to all parties concerned, he said.

They will also consult and get the opinion of authorities and people who are involved in determining whether a quarry permit should be granted or not, he added.*CGS

back to top