Dateline Kamuning:  The Department of Agriculture (DA) allayed public fears on Friday on the possible effects of a looming El Nino phenomenon on rice production, stressing the necessary preparations were made to counter the impact of the dry spell. In a press briefing at Malacañang, Agriculture Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian said measures have been put into place to mitigate the effects of the dry spell on food production. During the Palace briefing, reporters raised the concern of some farmers of possible crisis in rice production and agriculture as a result of El Niño phenomenon. “Naghahanda naman kami sa Department of Agriculture kaya lang ako I had experience several El Niño and I’ve also found solutions to El Niño. Mayroon positive and negative na effect ang El Niño,” Sebastian told the reporters. He explained the DA is conducting an assessment of areas that could be negatively or positively affected by the dry spell. According to Sebastian, there are areas in the...