Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has urged the national government to tap the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) under Republic Act No. 11203, or the Rice Tariffication Law, to support long‑term interventions that will help farmers withstand the impact of El Niño.
Escudero pointed to the Fund’s P15‑billion allocation for “Other Priority Programs” which, he said, could be redirected to finance irrigation, credit, and productivity projects.
On top of the RCEF, the veteran senator cited allocations under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, specifically the P730.9 million for small‑scale irrigation projects and P500 million for upland irrigation systems and small water impounding projects, which can also be mobilized to strengthen farmers’ resilience against prolonged dry conditions.
“This allocation can be tapped to help farmers strengthen their resilience against El Niño. Short‑term aid is important, but we also need structural programs that strengthen production and give farmers the capacity to withstand drought and rising fuel prices,” Escudero said.
“Ang mahalaga ay matulungan silang makabangon at makapagpatuloy sa produksyon, upang manatiling matatag ang ating suplay ng pagkain kahit sa gitna ng krisis. Malaking bagay ito sa ating mga magsasaka sa Mindanao,” he added.
The senator issued his statement as the city government of Butuan vowed to continue its programs and initiatives to mitigate the impact of the dry season, and can be further aggravated by El Niño. Local authorities have been extending assistance to affected farmers and preparing communities for reduced rainfall and extreme heat conditions.
According to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Butuan meteorological officer Ver Lancer D. Galanida, El Niño reduces rainfall and often results in prolonged dry spells or drought in the region. On April 24, the heat index in Butuan soared to 47°C, placing it in the “danger” category and threatening both agriculture and public health.
Escudero said the combination of RCEF and budgeted irrigation projects provides government with concrete options to reinforce local initiatives such as those in Butuan. He stressed that national funds should complement city‑level measures like water management, crop support, and farmer assistance to ensure food supply stability.