Lawmakers are focusing on legislative oversight to track field-level disbursements as critical funding deficits threaten cloud seeding operations and pest control in drought-hit farming communities.
The House Committee on Agriculture and Food, chaired by Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga, continued its inquiry under House Resolution No. 967, introduced by Sultan Kudarat Rep. Bella Vanessa Suansing, to review government preparedness, funding, and measures to protect agricultural livelihoods.
The inquiry follows a briefing conducted by the committee in June, during which the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Task Force El Niño presented government preparations and planned interventions to address the weather phenomenon.
The hearing brought together representatives from the DA, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Department of Science and Technology, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Irrigation Administration, and other government agencies, along with private agricultural groups.
“I wish to emphasize that this inquiry is conducted upon the personal instruction of the Honorable Speaker Faustino Bojie Dy III to ensure that allocated public funds and relief budgets are fully, transparently, and directly implemented for our severely hit beneficiaries,” Enverga said.
Legislators are examining whether the initial P6.2 billion released under the UPLIFT program for fuel, fertilizer, and direct assistance is reaching more than 310,000 targeted small farmers and fisherfolk.
“We must verify whether field disbursements in hit regions are reaching intended beneficiaries,” Enverga also said.
The committee is scrutinizing a P371-million funding gap for critical interventions, including specialized cloud seeding and measures against pests threatening sugarcane production.
Evaluating the DA’s proposed P61.99-billion consolidated action plan, Enverga noted that strategy must yield direct field results for agricultural workers facing immediate resource shortages.
“Our duty in Congress is to ensure that strategy translates directly into protection on the ground,” Enverga added.
“Hindi na kayang maghintay ang ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda. Hinihingi natin sa lahat ng ahensya na dumalo ngayon ang mga tiyak at tapat na kasagutan upang agad tayong makapaghatid ng mabilis at nakatutok na tulong sa ating sektor ng agrikultura,” Enverga said.
Suansing pointed out that the hearing assesses operational progress made since June while addressing broader impacts on water security, energy, health, livelihoods, and social protection.
Suansing requested updates on the implementation of Republic Act No. 12287, or the Declaration of State of Imminent Disaster Act, specifically whether disaster declarations triggered the release of funds for preventive measures.
She also urged the DA to expand drought-resistant farming technologies and alternative livelihood programs for rice farmers.
“We hope to hear from the DA on the updates of their commitments on upscaling these efforts from last June as well as their commitments and their mandate to provide for alternative sources of income and livelihood for our farmers and our fisherfolk,” Suansing said.
Suansing warned that prolonged droughts risk triggering resource conflicts among communities competing for limited water supplies and fertile land.