In an interview with CNN Philippines’ Newsroom Ngayon, DA Undersecretary Ariel Cayanan said they are providing loan assistance to affected farmers through the Sure Aid program, a survival and recovery program that can be availed through the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC).
The DA said damage and losses were recorded in Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen and Caraga.
Agaton affected 19,424 farmers and 17,925 hectares of agricultural areas, with volume of production loss at 41,580 metric tons.
Affected commodities include rice, corn, high-value crops, and livestock.
Rice took the largest loss share at ₱672.2 million, followed by high-value crops at ₱24.7 million, corn at ₱21.1 million, and livestock and poultry at ₱7.2 million. These values are still subject to validation as additional damage and losses are expected in areas affected by Agaton, the DA said.
The department is also assessing damage and losses in the agri-fisheries sector and coordinating with local government units and local disaster response offices.
The DA will provide affected farmers with rice, corn, and assorted vegetable seeds; drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry; loan and indemnification assistance; and fund for the rehabilitation of affected areas.
As of April 18, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported 172 deaths due to Agaton but only 12 deaths were confirmed.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 18) — Agricultural damage caused by Tropical Depression Agaton reached ₱725.2 million, the Department of Agriculture said on Monday.
“(Loans) range from ₱12,500 to ₱25,000, sufficient na po para makapag-umpisa sila. Ang bayaran po ay hanggang 5 years at wala pong interes,” he said.
[Loans range from ₱12,500 to ₱25,000, sufficient for them to start anew. Payment is up to 5 years, with no interest.]
For monetary assistance, Usec. Cayanan said that through the department’s Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA), rice farmers can receive ₱5,000 in cash. Corn farmers and fishermen, on the other hand, can receive ₱3,000 worth of fuel subsidies.
However, the department is still waiting for the Comelec’s decision on their application for a spending ban exemption related to the elections so that they can distribute the cash and fuel assistance.
