DA Sec assures assistance for typhoon affected farmers fisherfolks

TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Oct .26 (PIA) - - Typhoon- affected farmers and fisherfolks in Northern Luzon were assured support by Department of Agriculture Secretary Manny Pintilde;ol.

In his visit to the province of Kalinga during the weekend, Pintilde;ol said that the immediate action that the DA will do is to ensure that the affected farmers and fisherfolks including their families would be given food assistance.

"We will make sure that the famers and fisherfolks would have something to eat including their family members and children," said Pintilde;ol who met with local officials, farmers and fisherfolks and other stakeholders here.

He also ordered the validation of the damage and number of farmers and fisherfolk affected and identify delivery interventions such as seeds, fertilizers, and fishing equipment that would be given to the affected farmers.

Super typhoon Lawin which slammed Northern Luzon last week caused billions of pesos worth of damage in agriculture and fisheries particularly in Region 2 and the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Initial estimated typhoon damage of P10 billions was reported to the DA which covers at least five regions, Pintilde;ol bared.

Aside from the immediate actions, the Secretary said he will consult with Environment Secretary Gina Lopez to look at the deforestation of the watershed providing water to the Chico and Cagayan Rivers.

He will also recommend to the national government a serious study for the de-silting and dredging of the Chico River and Cagayan River which caused damages in the province of Kalinga and Cagayan during the typhoon.

"From the sky I saw threatening signs of an impending disaster. Another strong typhoon would possibly affect the towns beside Chico and Cagayan rivers when it overflows; the massive flooding could result to the loss of lives and properties," said Pintilde;ol who conducted aerial inspection of the typhoon affected areas in Northern Luzon. (JDP/ RMC- PIA CAR)