DA needs P700M for 'Odette'-hit agri sector rehab

The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Western Visayas needs around PHP700 million to rehabilitate its sector damaged by Typhoon Odette, which struck on December 17.

As of January 7, a rehabilitation plan was submitted to the DA central office and feedback suggests that the region will receive PHP135 million, or about 12 percent of the target amount.

The budget for rehabilitation will come from realigned budgets, the Quick Response Fund, and potential assistance from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

As of January 13, the DA estimates the total damage to agriculture in Western Visayas at over PHP5 billion, with final validation expected by Friday.

This amount is significant as it represents a level of damage that typically occurs every three years based on past data.