Negros Occidental sets P411 million disaster fund

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The Negros Occidental provincial government is setting aside P411 million for disaster risk reduction and management programs in 2027, as the United Sugar Producers Federation (Unifed) seeks additional national funding to expand cloud-seeding operations.

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the province is preparing for a dry spell expected to begin in October and potentially lasting through the first quarter of 2027 or even into the second quarter, based on forecasts from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

Of the P411-million allocation, about P287 million or 70 percent will fund disaster risk reduction programs, projects and activities, while P123 million or 30 percent will be available for other disaster-related requirements.

Lacson said the province has at least P109 million in Quick Response Funds for immediate action during disasters and emergencies.

Meanwhile, Unifed president Manuel Lamata asked the Department of Agriculture for additional funds to sustain and expand cloud-seeding operations in the Negros Island Region (NIR).

Lamata said cloud seeding is important to relieve drought stress on sugarcane and help slow the spread of the Red-striped Soft Scale Insect, which intensifies under dry conditions. RSSI has affected thousands of hectares of sugarcane plantations across Negros, threatening farm productivity on top of the continuing impact of dry weather.

“As the country’s top sugar-producing province, we must be self-reliant in responding to recurring climate threats and pest outbreaks,” Lamata said.

Cloud-seeding operations have already started in the NIR and Panay, with four sorties completed in each area.

Lamata noted that cloud seeding has been carried out several times in recent years, making sustained funding and long-term preparedness necessary for Negros’ agricultural sector.

The province’s disaster preparations and Unifed’s call for expanded cloud seeding come as the island faces the combined threats of prolonged drought, declining agricultural productivity and the continuing RSSI infestation.