DA to provide P25k loan assistance to farmers affected by Ineng

A resident collects recyclable materials despite the strong waves from the overflowed Tumana River, Marikina City, August 22, 2015, as earlier Saturday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration issued rainfall warnings over 11 areas in Luzon including Metro Manila Saturday morning, with three Calabarzon provinces – Laguna, Cavite and Batangas – under orange rainfall category, meaning heavy rainfall with high threat of flooding, as a result of the southwest monsoon’s being enhanced by typhoon Ineng (international name Goni).
INQUIRER PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — Farmers affected by Severe Tropical Storm “Ineng” over the weekend may now avail of a P25,000 zero-interest loan assistance payable in three years, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar said Monday.

In an interview with Radyo Inquirer 990 AM, Dar assured farmers whose crops were destroyed that their “survival and recovery program” is available to help them.

“Inumpisahan na namin ‘yung recovery program, pagbibigay ng buto, kung ano ‘yung itatanim ng mga farmer dun na nasalanta,” Dar said.

“Magbibigay din tayo ng loan assistance, P25,000 no interest, payable in three years,” he added.

According to the Agriculture chief, the most affected crops in Ilocos Norte were rice, corn, and vegetables.

Agricultural damage due to Ineng was also recorded at P120 million as of August 25, Dar noted.

Dar said they already sent precautionary reminders to farmers, especially in low lying areas, as the state weather bureau said a new low-pressure area has already entered the Philippine area of responsibility on Monday and may develop into a storm in the next 24 hours.

READ: Residents surprised as ‘Ineng’ leaves Ilocos Norte flooded

/kga