P120-M Aid Ready for Farmers, Fisherfolk Hit by Habagat, Kiyapo

The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced that over P121.60 million worth of assistance is available for farmers and fisherfolk affected by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) and the recent Typhoon Kiyapo. According to the DA, affected farmers and fisherfolk can avail of P121.60 million worth of farm inputs like rice, corn, and vegetable seeds. There are also P1 million worth of drugs and biologics, animal feeds, and supplements for livestock and poultry. "Kapag ganitong may mga bagyo, pagbaha, naka-ready na 'yung ating mga opisina sa mga regional offices natin, na mga prepositioned na mga binhi at pataba, na kapag naapektuhan sila at na-damage yung kanilang mga pananim, at ready na sila magtanim ay nakahanda na mamahagi yung ating mga regional offices ng mga inputs," said DA spokesperson Arnel de Mesa in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday. (During times like this with typhoons and floods, our regional offices are already prepared with pre-positioned seeds and fertilizers. Once the farmers are affected and their crops are damaged, and they're ready to plant again, our regional offices are prepared to distribute these agricultural inputs.) Moreover, the DA is also offering up to P25,000 loanable amount from the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program through the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC). There is also indemnification of insured affected farmers through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC). "And then nakahanda rin 'yung ating tinatawag na survival and recovery loan packages para sa kanila. Of course, kung mayroong matinding pagkasira, 'yung ating quick response fund for recovery and rehabilitation ng mga damaged areas natin," said De Mesa. (And then our so-called survival and recovery loan packages are also prepared for them. Of course, if there is severe damage, we have our quick response fund for the recovery and rehabilitation of our damaged areas.) The DA official said that affected farmers and fisherfolk should go to the nearest municipal agricultural officer to avail of the assistance. As of August 6, the DA reported P29.27 million worth of damage and losses in rice, corn, and high-value crops in Ilocos Region, Calabarzon, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Soccsksargen. The data also showed that 1,829 farmers with 909 hectares of agricultural areas and 422 metric tons were reportedly affected by the Habagat and Kiyapo. Moreover, the DA said that the recent rains, on the flip side, could actually help prepare for the upcoming strong El Niño this year. "Itong mga bagyo, lalo na yung pumapatak sa bahagi ng Luzon, ay nakakatulong para tumaas yung level ng mga dams....Ito ay maganda in preparation para sa upcoming strong El Niño na posibleng maasahan sa huling bahagi ng taon," said De Mesa. (These typhoons, especially those affecting parts of Luzon, help increase the water levels in our dams....This is beneficial in preparation for the upcoming strong El Niño that we might expect toward the latter part of the year.) —RF, GMA News