DA sets aside P3 billion for farmers amid quarantine

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture is allocating P3 billion for local farmers amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar said the amount is on top of the P2.8 billion Survival and Recovery loan package being implemented by the Agricultural Credit Policy Council.

“Rice farmers continue to be affected. We are lining up a second batch for farmers financial assistance of P3 billion on top of what is being given,” Dar said during the Laging Handa briefing late Wednesday night.

“We will continue to work with the farmers, farmer cooperatives and associations to ensure continuous production and to have enough food supply today and in the future,” he said.

President Duterte has ordered an enhanced community quarantine for the entire Luzon this week.

The move has somewhat delayed the movement of food and other agricultural commodities.

Further, Dar said the DA would enhance the implementation of the suggested retail price of commodities issued since last month.

The SRP policy covers basic food items sold in public markets including pork, chicken, bangus, tilapia, galunggong, sugar, garlic and onion.

“Our suggestion is those selling in the market should get directly from farmers or fishers so it will be cheaper,” Dar said.

He said the agency is continuously assessing the situation if more commodities would be added to the SRP.

“We are reviewing the actual situation. We will discuss it with the council because we are still firming it up,” Dar said.