RELIEF OPS. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) begins its relief operations in areas isolated after Typhoon Odette on Thursday (Dec. 23, 2021). Agriculture Secretary William Dar has ordered more interventions for "Odette"-affected fisherfolk. (Photo courtesy of DA-BFAR) MANILA - The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Thursday started to use its floating assets as it began relief operations in areas isolated after Typhoon Odette. "The DA-BFAR will go all-out in our relief assistance to coastal communities affected by Super Typhoon Odette. More floating assets will be deployed in the coming days, including M/V DA-BFAR to carry more relief goods and boat repair materials," Department of Agriculture (DA) -BFAR national director Eduardo Gongona said. In an email, the agency said that during the first leg of a series of relief operations, DA-BFAR's BRP Lapulapu would sail to the Caraga region and then to Eastern Visayas to deliver hu
(DA file photo) MANILA - The Department of Agriculture (DA) will assist farmers and fisherfolk in areas affected by Typhoon Odette using PHP852.47 standby funds. The budget includes PHP500 million Quick Response Fund for the rehabilitation of affected areas; PHP148-million worth of rice seeds; PHP57.6-million worth of corn seeds; PHP44.6-million worth of assorted vegetables; and PHP100 million under the Survival and Recovery Assistance Program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will also provide PHP164 million worth of fingerlings and assistance while PHP625,150 worth of drugs and biologics will be provided for livestock and poultry needs. DA also announced that there are available funds from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation to indemnify affected farmers. The agency continues to conduct assessment of damage and losses brought by "Odette" in the agri-fisheries sector. It coordinates with concerned national governme