DA sets aside P357 million to help farmers, fishermen affected by Taal eruption

January 29, 2020

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has set aside  P357 million for rehabilitation and recovery program to help farmers, fishermen and other rural folk affected by the Taal Volcano erruption.

The DA said the money comes from the department's Quick Response Fund (QRF).

According to the DA, some P33.7 million will be allocated for provision of seeds, while P45.5 million are planting materials, P181.5 million fertilizer or soil ameliorants, P19.7 million for supplements, drugs and biologics, P3 million for rehabilitation of processing facilities and P74.1 million for re-stocking of animals.

Under its Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Assistance program, the DA - Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), "allotted P30 million for emergency loan at P25,000 per borrower, zero interest, and payable in three years." 

"Expected to benefit are 1,200 affected farmers and fishers. The DA-ACPC tapped the Rural Bank of Mt. Carmel in Tagaytay as conduit," the DA said.

"The DA-ACPC is allotting P10 million as emergency financial assistance for farmers who will 'pawn' their animals via the "8-0-8" scheme, where owners could get a maximum of P8,000 in cash assistance, zero interest, and payable in eight years. The owners can buy back their animals once conditions normalize," it added.

The DA said the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI),  Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), and LGUs of Batangas have "rescued a total of 304 animals and transferred them to temporary animal shelters in DA Taal Livestock Care Emergency Center, Tanaunan City Slaughterhouse, and Don Leon Farm in San Juan, Batangas."

The DA said the fish in Taal Lake is safe for human consumption according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

"BFAR conducted laboratory analyses for water and fish samples in Taal Lake, and advised that consumption of fish is safe, provided they are fresh and alive, must be washed thoroughly, removing the gills and internal organs properly, and cooked well," the DA said.

"Once aquaculture operation resumes and suitable areas are identified, DA-BFAR will provide assorted fingerlings: seven million for tilapia; 20,000 - ulang (freshwater shrimps); 50,000 - hito; 100,000 - bighead carp; and 5,000 - ayungin," it added.

The DA said "after analyzing ash-covered soils in Cavite and Batangas, the DA- Bureau of Soil and Water Management (BSWM) recommends to simply plow deeply to mix the volcanic ash with the original soil."

"Once conditions normalize, and local officials permit, the agency will monitor and collect soil samples within 10-km radius from Taal Lake," it stated.

So far, losses from the Taal Volcano erruption reached P3.23 billion, affecting 28,247 farmers and fisherfolk. 

The DA said "the increase in the amount is due to report of damage and losses on fisheries in Batangas." Robina Asido/DMS