Bohol’s top agriculture official said Wednesday that cloud seeding operations would be counterproductive given the state weather bureau’s monitoring of potential La Niña conditions that could bring increased rainfall to the country.
Liza Quirog, head of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, told DYTR’s “Newsmakers ug Uban Pa” that artificial rainmaking efforts would be “illogical and a waste of resources” while the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) tracks weather patterns that typically produce above-normal precipitation.
PAGASA forecasts suggest ENSO-neutral conditions will likely persist until late 2025, though model forecasts indicate an increasing probability of short-lived La Niña conditions as early as September through December 2025.
La Niña, the cooling phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation climate pattern, typically brings more frequent typhoons and heavier rainfall to the Philippines, contrasting sharply with El Niño’s drought conditions.
The country experienced a brief La Niña episode earlier this year before conditions shifted to ENSO-neutral in April 2025.
The weather phenomenon influences the country’s agricultural planning and disaster preparedness strategies.
“Cloud seeding operations will depend on what PAGASA will be forecasting for the weather,” Quirog said, stressing that government resources should be directed toward more pressing agricultural needs.
Quirog announced Friday that the government’s P20-per-kilogram rice program has launched in Bien Unido town, prioritizing island barangays that lack rice production capabilities.
The subsidized grain program deliberately bypassed Tagbilaran City, the provincial capital, because surrounding municipalities already produce rice locally, Quirog explained.
Eight island barangays in Bien Unido are receiving priority distribution, with persons with disabilities and senior citizens served first.
Under new Department of Agriculture policies, the affordable rice program has expanded beyond traditional beneficiaries including PWDs, senior citizens and solo parents.
After priority groups are served, the general public can purchase the subsidized rice.
The pricing represents a significant discount from typical retail prices, which often exceed P50 per kilogram for quality rice varieties in remote island communities.
Meanwhile, the provincial agriculture office has partnered with Bohol Island State University on six projects designed to boost local food production and processing capabilities, Quirog said.
Currently operational facilities include a fish hatchery at BISU Bilar and a recently inaugurated project at the Clarin campus.
On Saturday, officials opened the Bohol Integrated Soils and Water Laboratory at BISU Bilar and broke ground for a Plant Tissue Laboratory focused on expanding ubi (purple yam) cultivation.
Additional facilities include a Food Innovation Center at BISU Dauis in Barangay Bingag, along with a Product Development Center and Research Laboratory for Food and Product Development. These facilities aim to support both livelihood programs and Bohol’s tourism industry through enhanced food product development.
The provincial government has pledged increased agricultural focus during his second-term inaugural address, but Quirog said the commitment will be measured by actual budget allocations and logistical support for farming communities.
“The way people can tell if the governor is indeed focused on agriculture is if he would release funds and provide logistical support to agricultural workers and other agencies for agriculture projects,” Quirog said.
The provincial government recently conducted workshops to discuss strategic action plans and corresponding programs.
With budget deliberations currently underway, agricultural advocates are monitoring whether Gov. Aris Aumentado’s administration will match rhetoric with substantial funding for farming initiatives.
“The moment the governor earmarks funding to agriculture programs, this is the time we can gauge if the governor is indeed serious in his promise to provide focus on agriculture,” Quirog said.