IFAD Grants P84M for Yolanda Rehabilitation Program in WV

IFAD Grants P84M for 

Yolanda Rehabilitation Program in WV

by James Earl E. Ogatis

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) granted a total of P84m intended for the rehabilitation of the agriculture sector affected by typhoon Yolanda in Western Visayas through the Department of Agriculture 6. The typhoon devastated agricultural crops and livestock on November 8, 2013. 

Rene B. Famoso, regional rice program action officer said that a total of P44,858,240.00 were used to purchase 32,984 bags of certified seeds which were distributed to the affected farmers in 2014. 

Famoso stressed that the province of Iloilo received a total 14,768 bags of rice certified seeds, Capiz – 13,033 bags, Negros Occidental – 2,900 bags, Antique – 1,616 bags, Aklan – 549 bags and Guimaras – 135 bags.

He said that the certified seeds were released to the provinces of Aklan, Guimaras and Negros Occidental last May and June in time for the first cropping season. The provinces of Antique, Capiz and Iloilo were given last October and December. DA region 6 believes it greatly helped in sustaining rice sufficiency in the region.

Famoso also said that the remaining P39,141,760.00 is intended to buy 32,984 bags of urea fertilizer for delivery this January and February 2015. Due to several delays in the bidding process, distribution is likewise delayed.

“We will follow the same scheme of one bag of fertilizer per hectare which will be given to the affected farmers base also on the allocation per province.” Famoso said.

The P84M IFAD funds augmented the DA reconstruction and recovery initiatives which include cash for work program, fuel subsidy, provision of PAKBET vegetable seeds, white corn seeds, steel layer cages and provision of vitamins, antibiotics and dewormer for poultry and livestock

“We have our masterlists of all affected farmers by municipality and we are doing our best to deliver all these interventions to them,” said Famoso. /MP