Ilocos faces funding gap for drought-hit farm rehabilitation

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN — Officials in the Ilocos region are seeking substantial financial support to address the lingering effects of drought on farming communities, as climate-related challenges continue to threaten agricultural productivity across the area.

The Department of Agriculture has identified a requirement of at least P660 million for comprehensive rehabilitation efforts targeting farmlands most vulnerable to El Niño-induced dry spells. However, a significant portion of this proposed budget allocation has yet to be secured, creating a critical funding shortfall that could delay recovery initiatives.

Agriculturist Julius Briones of the DA Ilocos office emphasized the urgency of addressing agricultural rehabilitation in the region, where prolonged dry conditions have impacted crop yields and farmer livelihoods. The proposed assistance would focus on restoring soil productivity and implementing climate-resilient farming practices in the most affected areas.

The funding gap highlights the challenges regional agricultural authorities face in responding to environmental pressures while balancing limited government resources. Officials continue to explore alternative funding mechanisms and seek additional allocations to implement the necessary rehabilitation programs across the Ilocos provinces.