Farmers, fishers in quake-hit Mindanao areas get aid from DA

FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has provided seedlings, machinery, and other immediate assistance to farmers and fisherfolk in quake-hit areas of Mindanao.

Affected farmers and fisherfolk were handed out vegetable seeds, coconut and banana planting materials, fertilizers, and indemnity claims worth P4.7 million during Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel’s recent visit to General Santos City.

Specifically, farmers affected by the earthquake received 1,000 pieces of banana planting materials and 1,000 hybrid coconut seedlings, the DA said in a statement Tuesday.

READ: Quake-hit Mindanao folk struggle to pick up the pieces

Meanwhile, farmers in South Cotabato were provided P26.3 million worth of machinery and checks for indemnity and loans while P2.08 million worth of new fishing boats and paraphernalia would be given to 54 individuals in Soccsksargen.

“The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is also addressing the damage caused by swells spawned by the earthquake to fish cages owned by the Malapatan Fishermen Association worth P1.8 million,” according to DA.

It also said that further assistance may be provided following a field assessment of damage caused by the magnitude 6.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on November 17.

The agency added that financial assistance is also available at the Agricultural Credit Policy Council.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council’s November 29 situation report, 147 farmers and fisherfolk were affected by the earthquake.