AGRI party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee on Sunday underscored the importance of accurate government figures on agricultural damage due to El Niño, particularly data from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
“The data coming out from DA and NDRRMC is confusing. Apart from not matching, the difference in the numbers they put out is huge,” she said.
“According to the DA, the damage to agriculture in the country caused by El Niño on April 30 has reached almost P6 billion. In the situation report released by the NDRRMC on April 29, the estimated damage to agriculture is over P1.6 billion. It should be clarified why there is a difference and which should be followed here,” he added.
According to the DA, the blistering temperatures brought about by El Niño have caused P5.9 billion in damage to the agricultural sector, affecting 113,585 farmers and fisherfolk in 12 regions in the country and devastating a total of 104,402 hectares of agricultural areas.
The latest report from the NDRRMC, meanwhile, shows 46,805 farmers and fisherfolk affected by the extreme heat, with 44,437 hectares of crops impacted for a total of more than P1.6 billion in agricultural damage.
“The appropriate mitigation and response to El Niño is dependent on accurate data, especially since this is the basis for the assistance being provided by the government to those affected by the phenomenon. How much will be given to how many is reliant on the reports being published so hopefully there will be improved communication between the government agencies that assessed and passed on the data,” Lee cited.
According to the DA, it has so far provided at least P2.18 billion worth of assistance to El Niño devastated farmers and fisherfolk.
The agency said that its regional offices have prov ided production support worth P658.22 million and P1.06 billion in financial assistance to rice farmers in Cagayan Valley and Mimaropa.
“Correct data is very crucial to deliver adequate and rapid assistance to those in need. Our countrymen deserve better service, reduce their burdens, and alleviate their fear of being buried in hardship and debt during times of crisis, just like if someone in the family gets sick,” the solon said.
“We deserve better, and we must demand better for efficient and swift services. We Are All Winners in the unity, care, and coordination of government agencies and the people, for quick response and distribution of aid, especially during disasters.