MANILA, Philippines - Milk production in the province of Iloilo has been deteriorating since the onset of the El Niño phenomenon in the country.

The Philippine Dairy Authority's milk processing plant in Tigbauan, Iloilo had been producing 300 liters of fresh milk everyday.

However, when El Niño came, the production was reduced to 150 liters per day or a 50% decreased in the production.

Production of milk bars and other dairy products have been affected.

The huge reduction in milk production is the result of the low supply coming from the livestock industry, according to the dairy authority.

Farmers in the province have been seeking assistance from the provincial agricultural office.

The provincial government has already provided a truck load of rice husks to the affected areas. But since the demand for food for the livestocks is very high, farmers are looking for some other alternatives.

The agriculture office is planning to buy commercial feeds for the livestocks.

However, Iloilo farmers are still asking for a long-term solution like the establishment of irrigation facilities in the province.