This photo was taken around 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, as Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai) battered the Visayas and Mindanao. The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has ordered forced evacuation to all affected residents. (Photo by SAM YAP. / INQUIRER.net)
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has allocated P853 million to assist farmers and fisherfolk affected by Typhoon Odette, Secretary William Dar said on Friday.
Dar said the DA had prepositioned P355.26 million worth of seeds, fingerlings, and biologics for affected farmers and fisherfolk.
The department is also readying P500 million for rehabilitation and recovery efforts, which will be charged to the Quick Response Fund, he said.
“Our focus is how there would be a quick turnaround of planting and livestock raising when Typhoon Odette leaves the country,” he said.
The DA is still assessing the extent of the agricultural damage caused by Odette. Fisherfolk would get new boats or repair materials, while farmers would get seeds and fertilizer from the DA.