P23-M aid for 556 'Aghon'-hit farmers in Calabarzon, Mimaropa – DA

MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has allocated P23.06 million worth of aid for 556 farmers affected by Typhoon Aghon in Calabarzon and Mimaropa regions.

According to the DA – Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Operations Center Bulletin 6 released late Tuesday, the amount has been allotted for the distribution of agricultural inputs, such as seeds, planting materials, and bio-control measures, and other assistance.

The DA said it has also prepared a loanable amount of P25,000 for each farmer, payable in three years with no interest through the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program.

Earlier, DA Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa cited the availability of P1 billion worth of quick response funds for all disasters and calamities.

Damage to agriculture in Calabarzon and Mimaropa due to Aghon has reached P22.8 million, with the largest loss reported in high-value crops at P10.87 million.

Damage to rice fields was placed at P10.66 million, with Laguna and Quezon being the hardest hit.

Meanwhile, damage to agriculture infrastructures, such as pigpens, greenhouses, and irrigation canals, in Quezon was reported at P815,400, while the loss of 70 heads of livestock and poultry in Laguna was estimated at P448,300. (PNA)