More than 1000 farmers and fishers received financial assistance worth P7 million from the Department of Agriculture (DA) thru the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) on November 27, 2018 at the Provincial Capitol Complex in Marawi City.

DA-ACPC, with support from the United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB), released e-money cards to conflict affected farmers and fishers as part of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) fund for the DA’s Bangon Marawi Comprehensive Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Program.

Each card has an initial cash fund of P5,000.

“This card symbolizes the beginning of our relationship,” Agriculture Secretary Manny F. Piñol said.

“We will provide you additional intervention to help you recover, but it will be based on the proposals you will submit on how much you will still need,” Piñol added.

The agri chief also directed National Food Authority (NFA) to open food outlets in Marawi barangays and nearby towns of Lanao del Sur.

“These outlets will be by women,” Piñol said.

Aside from rice, he outlets will also sell agri products at affordable prices including sugar, onions, garlic and other basic kitchen needs.

The Secretary also committed 10 milking carabaos from the Philippine Carabao Center for the Marawi women, to be supported by the sorghum development program which aims to provide additional source of feeds for livestock. ### (Kristel Merle, DA-AFID)