Gov’t aid pledged for Typhoon Yolanda farmers

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine government has released P1.05 billion to the Department of Agriculture (DA) for recovery projects for Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

As of March 2014, the damages to the agriculture sector of affected provinces has reached P31.1 billion. (READ: ‘Farmers, fishermen left out in Yolanda recovery efforts’)

The amount includes production losses of P27.07 billion in crops, fisheries, and livestock. In infrastructure, P4.06 billion worth of irrigation systems and facilities have been destroyed. 

According to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the DA will allocate this amount to the following : 

DBM has released a total of P5.21 billion for the rehabilitation of the agricultural sector in Typhoon Yolanda affected provinces. DBM also said that P26 billion has already been mobilized for post-disaster projects, as of March 10, 2014. (READ: P9B needed for agri, fisheries in Yolanda areas)

Farmers in Regions IV-B (MIMAROPA), V (Bicol Region), VI (Western Visayas), VII (Central Visayas), and IX (Zamboanga Peninsula), have been promised farm tools, seeds, tractors, fertilisers, and farm machinery fuel subsidies.

“With the fund release, the DA can give our farmers the help they need in recouping their losses and successfully rebuilding their livelihoods,” said DBM secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad. – Rappler.com