THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has allotted P8 million to assist farmers who are totally affected by the El Nino phenomenon in Western Visayas.

Agriculture Regional Executive Director Larry Nacionales said the DOLE during their joint meeting with the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) Friday disclosed that farmers whose crops are totally damaged by the drought will be given priorities.

Of the said amount the agency has allotted P2.5 million for cash assistance and some P4 million for livelihood support.

To date, some 1,076 farmers from eight municipalities in Iloilo have been initially identified as recipients.

These are from the towns of Ajuy, Dingle,Igbaras, Mina, Passi, Sta. Barbara and Pavia.
In a timeline earlier presented by the DOLE, it is expected that the assistance will be handed to them in April.

Nacionales also disclosed that their agency has already purchased some P2-million worth of vegetable seeds that will be given to affected farmers.

This afternoon, three municipalities, namely, Barotac Nuevo, Passi City and Sta. Barbara received their seed bags from the DA.

Nacionales likewise added that they will be prioritizing farmers who are members of irrigators' associations as recipients of shallow tube wells that will be arriving next week.

The region was allotted 100 shallow tube wells and pump kits which will only be lent to affected farmers. (PNA)