Politics · Philippines Bureau
Philippine lawmakers push aid package for workers hit by El Niño
Makabayan bloc representatives have called for emergency economic relief as agricultural damage from the severe El Niño weather phenomenon reaches nearly P7 billion. The push comes as farmers, fisherfolk, and rural workers face mounting losses across the country.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Progressive lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc filed House Resolution No. 1496 on Monday, urging the government to provide immediate financial assistance to workers affected by the ongoing El Niño conditions gripping the Philippines.
The resolution was filed by ACT Teachers party-list Representative Antonio Tinio, Kabataan party-list Representative Renee Co, and Gabriela Women's Party Representative Sarah Elago. The move comes as agricultural damage attributed to the extreme weather pattern has already accumulated to P6.87 billion, according to official assessments.
The hardest-hit sectors include farming communities, fishing operations, and other rural workers whose livelihoods depend heavily on weather conditions. The prolonged dry spell associated with El Niño has disrupted production cycles and reduced yields across multiple regions.
The lawmakers' request signals growing concern among opposition representatives about the economic impact of the climate phenomenon on vulnerable sectors. The call for relief measures underscores the need for targeted government intervention to support affected communities and prevent further economic deterioration in agriculture-dependent areas.