The Department of Agriculture (DA) distributed more than P231 million (M) worth of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, tools, machinery, and other interventions to farmers, fisherfolk, and organizations in Batangas who were affected by the eruption of the Taal Volcano, November 9, 2021.
The volcanic eruption mainly affected the provinces of Batangas, Cavite, and Laguna wherein 12,438 hectares of CALABARZON’s agricultural areas were damaged, endangering the livelihoods of 23,094 farmers and fishers. The damages in the region amounted to approximately P1.8 billion.
In Batangas alone, affected municipalities include Agoncillo, Laurel, Lemery, Balete, Tanauan City, Taal, Talisay, San Nicolas, Sta, Teresita, Alitagtag, Cuenca, Malvar, Mataas na Kahoy, and Lipa City.
As part of the national government’s Taal Rehabilitation and Recovery plan, Agriculture Secretary William Dar awarded P231,093,222 worth of DA interventions to the Provincial Government of Batangas to help its farmers and fisherfolk resume their livelihoods. (Photo by Alan Jay Jacalan, DA-AFID)
