enator Loren Legarda today urged immediate support for farmers and fisher folk in adopting to climate change.

“Government should provide cash transfers for farmers whose lands have been dried up by El Niňo. This would allow them to recuperate from heavy losses brought by the drought, and help them survive this critical period,” Legarda said.

Legarda pointed out the urgent need to give extension support to our farmers, and provide them with technical and financial assistance.

“For instance, we should start teaching farmers to plant drought-resistant crops. IRRI ( International Rice Research Institute) has recently launched drought-tolerant rice. This rice variety provides 0.5 to 0.8 tons extra yield per hectare during drought,” Legarda said.

Legarda calls for the immediate implementation of the amendment to the Agri-Agra Law, which she authored. The  amendment provides more loanable funds to farmers by  prohibiting banks from using the purchase of government bonds as compliance to the Agri-Agra Law. “This time, banks will really have to extend cash loans to farmers,” Legarda said.

Legarda also pushed for the protection of commercial and small fishers by assisting them with capital, opening up more markets, and providing them with alternative sources of living.