Marcos orders crop production aid in areas less likely affected by El Niño

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday directed the government to give crop production aid to provinces less likely to be affected by El Niño, according to Rosemarie Edillon, undersecretary for national development policy of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda). 

Edillon said that food prices would likely remain high during the El Niño. So, vulnerable sectors must be protected.  

“We noted, however, that in December, there will still be a number of provinces that will be less likely to be hit by El Niño. And so, in the briefing this morning – that was actually the instruction of the President — to make sure that we target the production support to these provinces,” she said in a Palace briefing. 

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Edillon explained that these areas unaffected by El Niño could produce crops, such as rice, requiring more water. 

However, aid will still be given to other areas hit by the phenomenon. 

“The others can be assisted to plant other crops that do not require much water, and those that will not be able to plant because of severe El Nino can be provided emergency employment assistance,” Edilon said in a message to reporters.