The Department of Agriculture (DA) distributed livestock, fertilizer, and agri equipment to farmers and fisherfolk affected by typhoon Rolly in Lobo, Batangas.
After assessing the damage brought by the typhoon, DA together with the Departments of Social Work and Development (DSWD) and Trade and Industry (DTI) conducted relief operations and distribution of agri interventions to jumpstart the recovery of the agri-fishery sector.
Together with Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, the three agencies will push for the collective development of an integrated holistic response to address the immediate needs of Filipinos in crisis situations.
The whole of government approach is a strong advocacy of Senator Go, which aims to converge the national government agencies to work together.
In line with the initiative, the DA distributed livestock animals such as carabaos, cows, goats, and ducks.
In addition, it awarded other important interventions including a rice mill, rice tractors, 300 bags of rice seeds and fertilizer to ensure swift recovery of affected farmers.
Additional inputs were provided including vacuum pack sealers for vegetables, 25kgs vegetable seeds, 20kgs, corn seeds, power sprayers, dewormer, 50 bags of inorganic fertilizer, and 100 bags of organic fertilizer.
For the fishery sector, DA-BFAR turned over to the local government unit (LGU) 20,000 fingerlings of red tilapia and certificate of award for 30,000 bangus fingerlings.
The total interventions awarded to farmers and fisherfolk in Lobo, Batangas on November 5, amounted to P5,368,040.
Agriculture Secretary, in his message, shared that affected farmers and fisherfolk are guaranteed to receive insurance claims from DA emergency and rehabilitation loan programs under Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, Agricultural Credit Policy Council – through its Survival and Recovery Loan Program.
On top of these, crop indemnification amounting to P10,000-15,000 will be released to farmers who have insured their crops, while a P25,000 zero percent cash assistance is made available under the Department’s SURE Aid assistance.
According to the Secretary, total damages to agriculture brought about by “Quinta” and “Rolly” is at P5.5 billion (B).
“The government has put in place assistance and interventions to support affected farmers. Ang pinaka nasalanta ay mga palay natin, ‘yung tanim na high-value crops, ‘yung mga fruit trees at corn and livestock,” he added.
The Department has also made available the Enhanced Kadiwa Financial Assistance Grant to qualified cooperatives and associations, as well as community-based organizations to help them sell their produce directly to the market and help them improve their income.
The program, which is under the DA Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Services (AMAS), aims to strengthen and involve more farmers and fishers to engage to become agriprenuers through the Kadiwa program.
In his message, Senator Go urged the collective action from difference government agencies. “Iisang gobyerno lang tayo kung kaya’t dapat nagkakaisa ang galaw natin para mas maging mabilis, maayos at maaasahan ang serbisyo natin sa tao, lalo na sa panahon na nangangailangan sila,” he added. ### (Adora Rodriguez, DA-AFID)
