MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Agriculture (DA) asked for an additional P1.5 billion from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for intervention programs in agricultural areas devastated by Typhoon Pablo (Bopha) in December 2012.

The funds will complement the initial P231 million budget released to the agency for intervention programs that aim to help rice, corn, banana and coconut farmers recover from the typhoon, said DA Assistant Secretary Dante Delima.

The new funds will be spent for the repair of farm infrastructure and irrigation facilities in hard-hit areas (P801 million), and purchase of farm inputs such as seedlings and fertilizers (P346.14 million for coconut and P80 million for high-value crops).

Delima said the intervention programs will ensure the "continuity of food security" and help farmers recover production losses.

The DA said Pablo caused P30 billion in agricultural damage in Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and Davao City. - Rappler.com