The Department of Agriculture (DA) has rolled out a total of P1.5-billion worth of agri-fishery interventions to aid farmers and fisherfolk affected by the Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Maring.
Of the total P1.5-B assistance, P650 M is allotted to provide emergency loans to affected farmers and fisherfolk under the SURE Calamity Loan Assistance Program through the DA-Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC). Affected households can borrow P20,000 each, at zero interest, no collateral, and payable in 10 years.
Aside from the agricultural loan, the DA has also set aside P172 M under its Quick Response Fund (QRF) to rehabilitate affected areas in Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and SOCCSKSARGEN.
At least P370 million worth of crop insurance was also made available by the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) to indemnify affected farmers in CAR, Regions 1, 2, 3, and MIMAROPA.
As part of the immediate response of the national government, Secretary William Dar also guaranteed the availability and rapid dispersal of rice, seeds, and other planting materials to affected farmers.
Ready for distribution are 168,998 bags of rice seeds; 16,601 bags of corn seeds, and 1,480 kgs of assorted vegetables from affected regions; and drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry, with a total worth of P310-million.
As of October 15, STS Maring has left P1.21 billion worth of agricultural damage in the nine regions, affecting 42,787 farmers and fishers, with a volume of production loss at 68,891 metric tons (MT) and 61,234 hectares of agricultural areas.
Affected commodities include rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock, and fisheries.
Prior to “Maring,” a total area of 28,952 hectares of rice have been harvested from Regions 1 and 2 with an equivalent production of 141,635 metric tons amounting to P2.08B.
As for corn, a total of 13,776 hectares have been harvested from Region 2, with an equivalent production of 55,654 metric tons amounting to P779.15 million.
The DA, through its regional field offices, is further assessing and validating the damage and losses brought by “Maring” in the agri-fisheries sector. It will also maintain close coordination with concerned government offices, local government units, and other DRRM-related offices to assess further the impact of the severe tropical storm and available resources for interventions and assistance. ### (Kuhlin Ceslie Gacula, DA-StratComms)
