SAN CARLOS CITY, Oct. 15 -- The city government has secured PHP179.14 million in external agricultural assistance to help farmers and livestock raisers prepare for the possible impacts of a strong El Nino.

"Beyond our local resources, we strengthened our partnerships with the Department of Agriculture, Philippine Rice Research Institute, National Irrigation Administration, Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. and other agencies," Mayor Julier Resuello said in an interview Wednesday.

He said the funds would support irrigation, hybrid rice seeds, fertilizers, cash assistance, crop insurance and other interventions for farmers and livestock raisers.

Resuello said the city would first consult farmers to determine their needs amid the threat of...