DA readies interventions for farmers hit by Ursula

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture has pledged immediate interventions to the farmers and fisherfolks affected by the onslaught of typhoon Ursula in Visayas.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar recently visited Pontevedra in Capiz to assess the damage to the farm sector of the recent typhoon.

Dar ordered the immediate distribution of rice, corn, vegetable seeds, fruit trees planting materials, poultry and livestock, fingerlings for fishponds, fiber glass fishing boats, and fishing paraphernalia to affected farmers and fisherfolks.

He also instructed DA Research Outreach Station- Capiz Center chief Lilia Penaranda to continuously produce planting materials for distribution and cultivation in the upland and unutilized areas in the provinces of Capiz and Aklan.

“Establish a 20-hectare demonstration farm for agroforestry planted with fruit trees and high-value crops. Agro-forestry will be our answer to the perils of nature in the future,” Dar said.

About P169 million losses in the agri-fishery sector in Western Visayas were reported and validated by the DA.

Of that total amount, Capiz recorded the highest damage at P130 million. Based on initial data, about 20,719 hectares were partially and totally damaged affecting 3,232 farmers growing rice and corn.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist of Aklan submitted a damage report of the rice processing center at Brgy. Tabangka in Numancia in Aklan.

The IBON Multi-Purpose Cooperative also seeks for immediate assistance in the repair and re-installation of warehouses, recirculating dryers, rice mill, and power lines.

DA has a P60 million fund under the Survival and Recovery Loan Program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council and indemnification from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. for all affected regions.

For Western Visayas, DA has buffer-stocked 1,780 bags of certified and hybrid seeds of palay, 1,787 bags of OPV and hybrid corn seeds, and 4,422 kilograms of assorted vegetables.

The regional field offices were also advised to intensify the value-adding of coconut products for its huge local and export market potentials.

Dar has assured Capiz Governor Esteban Evan Contreras and Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores that DA will fast track the delivery of agri-fishery interventions to typhoon-stricken farmers and fishers.