Kiko Pangilinan to DA, gov’t agencies: Send aid to farmers, fishermen

Senator Francis Pangilinan on Wednesday called on the Department of Agriculture (DA) to extend aid to farmers and fishermen whose livelihoods have been hit by persistent bad weather.

Pangilinan said the agriculture sector often sustains the biggest damage during calamities, which, in recent weeks, were triggered by combined effects of typhoons and the southwest monsoon or “habagat.”

“We thus exhort the Department of Agriculture and other related agencies to immediately come to the aid of our farmers who have lost their crops and fisherfolk who have not been able to go out to sea,” he said in a statement.

The senator, who chaired the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food in 2010, urged the DA to provide relief assistance to affected farmers and fishermen, especially in places where flooding persists.

He also urged the National Irrigation Administration and local government units to provide temporary jobs in the repair of damaged dikes and irrigation infrastructure.

The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation should also fast-track the release of funds to compensate the losses of farmers, “so that they can recover and plant again,” Pangilinan said.

“Farmers should also gain access to the government’s seed assistance program […] to help them make a quick turn-around from their crop losses,” he added.

Pangilinan further assured that the government has quick response funds, which can be tapped by farmers through loans and other assistance.   /vvp