The Department of Agriculture (DA) is about to complete the implementation of mitigation measures to address the effects of El Niño event on this year’s dry cropping season and to keep up with the coming wet cropping season. Agriculture Secretary Bernie Fondevilla also said the Department is also carrying out early preparations for next planting season, which is expected to commence either in June or July, considering the prevalence of a prolonged dry spell. He said the DA task force dealing with the latest El Niño onslaught has earmarked an initial ₱882.18 million for the accelerated implementation of mitigation measures for farmers and fisherfolk in provinces in Luzon and the Visayas.

De Vera, E. B. (2010, May 16). DA acts to ease El Niño effects. Manila Bulletin, p. 11.