The Negros Occidental provincial government has distributed veterinary drugs and biosecurity supplies to stakeholders from 31 localities here to ensure the welfare of the livestock and poultry sectors amidst the El Niño phenomenon.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Dr. Placeda Lemana, provincial veterinarian, led the distribution of the supplies during the livestock consultative conference held at the Capitol Social Hall here on Tuesday.

Lemana said the provincial government provided supplies of vitamins, electrolytes and antibiotics to the local government units (LGUs), and assured that “in case farmers will come and ask for medicines, there is available supply.”

She said farmers should be able to manage the food available for animals amid the weather condition brought by the dry spell.

“In southern Negros, we have seen that grasses have wilted and food for carabaos, cattle and goats are no longer that abundant,” she added.

In its El Niño alert, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) expects the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions in some areas of the country, with a dry spell earlier forecasted for most parts of Negros Occidental at the tail end of this month.

As of the last week of January, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist reported an initial PHP7.079 million as cost of damage to rice crops in Negros Occidental due to the dry spell. (PNA)