Farmers seek urgent aid after Typhoon Rolly causes P2B in agricultural damage

Farmers and fisherfolk affected by Typhoon Rolly are requesting immediate government aid for rehabilitation and recovery.

The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) stated that the Department of Agriculture's (DA) rehabilitation assistance is insufficient for the extensive damage, with the total agricultural losses rising to P2 billion, affecting about 31,000 farmers.

KMP chair Danilo Ramos highlighted that affected farmers face a long period without food and livelihood due to the extensive damage to their farmlands, noting that thousands of hectares of rice and corn paddies and vegetable crops were deluged, trees fell, and farm animals drowned.

The group is advocating for crucial rehabilitation resources such as seeds, seedlings, farm tools, farm animals, fishing boats (bancas), and fishing equipment.

The Bicol region, particularly Albay and Catanduanes, bore the brunt of Rolly, with some residents missing after lahar and flooding submerged villages in Guinobatan, Albay.

KMP has launched its 'Oplan Sagip Kanayunan' program, also referred to as 'Tabang Bicol', to provide relief and rehabilitation support to typhoon-stricken communities.

The KMP is actively seeking donations of essential supplies such as rice, food, relief packs, hygiene kits, water, clothing, sleeping kits, and medicines.