Secretary William Dar led the officials and staff of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) 4A (CALABARZON) in their relief and recovery efforts in Batangas and Cavite, where thousands of farmers, fishers, ruralfolk and residents were adversely affected with the eruption of Taal volcano.
He first visited the recently-launched DA Taal Livestock Care Emergency Operations Center, at Tanco Drive, Brgy. Marawouy, Lipa City, Batangas, on January 18, 2020.
“We are pleased to establish and operate the facility that serves as a distribution center for all DA family-sourced assistance and interventions, and as a temporary shelter for 62 head of rescued livestock animals affected by the Taal volcano eruption,” Secretary Dar said.
He instructed DA-RFO 4A Director Arnel de Mesa to ensure that animal feeds, biologics, vitamins, and other veterinary supplies are enough to sustain the operations of the center.
Dar also visited Darasa Elementary School in Tanauan that serves as an evacuation site for about 1,500 evacuees. Joining him was Rep. Ma. Theresa Collantes of the 3rd District of Batangas in the distribution of food packs, rice, and 14,800 kilos of assorted vegetables from Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Trading (NVAT) Center.
The Agri chief assured the evacuees that the government under President Rodrigo R. Duterte is working tirelessly to help ease the impact of Taal volcano eruption among affected families in Batangas and Cavite.
Meanwhile, DA-RFO 4A Director Arnel de Mesa said the DA has initially provided P130-million worth of assistance in the form of farm equipment, seeds, planting materials and fingerlings to affected farmers and fisherfolk.
Secretary Dar and Director de Mesa then went to Silang, Cavite, and inspected ashfall-damaged pineapple and coffee farms, and assured farmers and local government officials of strong and continued support to enable them to recover.
The DA chief led the distribution of vegetables, farm tools, storage drums, and power sprayers to affected farmers in Silang, Cavite; and Cabuyao and Calamba, Laguna.
“Don’t lose hope! Because God is with us and your government is here to help you get back on your feet and get you back in your farms,” Dar said. ###
