Aklan readies measures to mitigate La Niña

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) is implementing measures for the expected impact of La Niña in Aklan.

Provincial Agriculturist William Castillo said preparations for the onset of La Niña include the identification of flood-resistant crop varieties and rehabilitation of small-water impounding projects.

"The education awareness and advocacy campaign for local farmers are also intensified to mitigate the effects of La Niña. Although, La Niña has yet to hit the province of Aklan, the early implementation of intervention measures in threatened areas will offset the effects of La Niña," he said.

To further cushion the adverse effects of La Niña, the provincial government in coordination with the Department of Agriculture, the Bureau of Fisheries and other line agencies distributed tilapia and bangus fingerlings for fresh water fishponds and seedlings for fruit bearing trees for local farmers.
Hybrid rice, abaca, corn and vegetable programs are also implemented by the provincial government, Castillo added.
The OPA also reported that the local farmers harvested 45,000 metric tons of palay despite the onslaught of El Niño dry spell and rice tungro infestation which was spread by the green and zigzag leaf hoppers.

Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez earlier urged his constituents to resort to prayers to battle the weather phenomenon that could badly affect the palay production in the province.
La Niña is expected to bring heavy rainfall and abnormal cooling of sea surface temperatures in the country. It will also affect the northern portions of Panay Island from weak to moderate conditions, according to the advisory issued by the Department of Science and Technology.