DA prepares P852M aid for typhoon victims

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is preparing PHP852.47 million in standby funds to aid farmers and fisherfolk impacted by Typhoon Odette.

This financial assistance package includes PHP500 million for the Quick Response Fund for rehabilitation efforts, PHP148 million in rice seeds, PHP57.6 million in corn seeds, and PHP44.6 million in assorted vegetable seeds.

A PHP100 million fund is also allocated under the Survival and Recovery Assistance Program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will provide PHP164 million for fingerlings and other aid.

The DA has so far assessed that an estimated P127 million worth of agricultural products were affected, with almost 3,000 farmers impacted in Western Visayas and Caraga.

These numbers are expected to increase as Typhoon Odette continues to devastate several regions in Visayas and Mindanao.

The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation also has available funds to indemnify affected farmers.

The DA is actively assessing the damage and losses in the agri-fisheries sector and coordinating with various government agencies and local units.