DA extends P2.2-B aid to typhoon-hit Cagayan Region

November 15, 2020

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to give a total of P2.2 billion aid in the Cagayan Region after it was hit by weather disturbances in the past weeks.

In a televised situation briefing with President Rodrigo Duterte in Tuguegarao City on Sunday, DA Secretary William Dar said the damage to agriculture in Cagayan Region is now at P2 billion.

“Here in Region 2, since Typhoon Pepito, Quinta, Rolly, and now Ulysses, the value of damage to agriculture is now P2 billion but the Department of Agriculture is prepared,” Dar said.

“Our preparedness for the dry season planting is just right… So today we are giving Region 2 the agricultural inputs that they will used for planting in December like hybrid rice seeds, inbred rice seeds, fertilizers, hybrid corn seeds, assorted vegetables seeds, seedling trays, poultry goods and docks,” he added.

Dar said they will give the certificate of award to Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba for the Cagayan province amounting to P846.7 million for the rehabilitation of agriculture.

He said P1.1 billion will be given to Isabela after badly hit by Quinta and Rolly; P148 million for Nueva Vizcaya; and P96 million for Quirino.

An P18-million worth of rice bags will be donated by the National Food Authority (NFA), Dar said.

“We are giving out today all these agriculture inputs plus rice as our aid for Region 2… amounting to P2.2 billion,” the secretary said.

After being hit by around six weather disturbances, Dar said the damage to agriculture is now at P10 billion.

He also reminded the public that a price freeze is in place in all areas in Luzon affected by the series of typhoons. Ella Dionisio/DMS