Agriculture Secretary William Dar led officials and staff of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) 4A (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) in their relief and recovery efforts in the provinces of Batangas and Cavite, where thousands of farmers, fishers, ruralfolk and residents were hit by the eruption of Taal Volcano.
Dar first visited the DA Taal Livestock Care Emergency Operations Center, at Tanco Drive, Brgy. Marawouy, Lipa City, Batangas recently.
“The facility serves temporary shelter for 62 head of rescued livestock animals affected by the Taal Volcano eruption.”
“We are pleased to establish and operate the facility that serves as a distribution center for all DA family-sourced assistance and interventions, and as a temporary shelter for 62 head of rescued livestock animals affected by the Taal Volcano eruption,” Dar said.
The agriculture chief instructed DA-RFO 4A Director Arnel de Mesa to ensure that animal feeds, biologics, vitamins, and other veterinary supplies are enough to sustain the operations of the center.
The agriculture head also visited the Darasa Elementary School in Tanauan that serves as evacuation site for about 1,500 evacuees. Joining him was Rep. Ma. Theresa Collantes of the 3rd District of Batangas in the distribution of food packs, rice, and 14,800 kilos of assorted vegetables from Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Trading (NVAT) Center.
Dar assured the evacuees that the government under President Rodrigo Duterte is working tirelessly to help ease the impact of the Taal Volcano eruption on affected families in Batangas and Cavite.
“The DA has initially provided P130-million worth of assistance.”
Meanwhile, DA-RFO 4A Director Arnel de Mesa said the DA has initially provided P130-million worth of assistance in the form of farm equipment, seeds, planting materials and fingerlings to affected farmers and fisherfolk.
Dar and De Mesa then went to Silang, Cavite, and inspected ashfall-damaged pineapple and coffee farms, and assured farmers and local government officials of strong and continued support to enable them to recover.
He led the distribution of vegetables, farm tools, storage drums, and power sprayers to affected farmers in Silang, Cavite; and Cabuyao and Calamba, Laguna.
“Don’t lose hope! Because God is with us and your government is here to help you get back on your feet and get you back in your farms,” Dar said.