The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Saturday (Dec. 18) assured assistance to individuals whose livelihoods were affected by Typhoon Odette.
In the Laging Handa briefing, DA Assistant Secretary Kristine Evangelista said they continue to gather information on the extent of agricultural damage due to the typhoon.
The DA said it will provide boats and repair materials to fisherfolks, and seeds to affected farmers. The aid and humanitarian operations of the national government (AHON) is also identifying other forms of assistance to affected areas.
Evangelista said they are also into the distribution of food packs aside from rehabilitation efforts.
Meanwhile, authorities are looking into the imposition of price freeze on agricultural products in areas hit by the typhoon.
“That is something that we will definitely look into because siyempre tinamaan po sila ng kalamidad, more often than not, kasunod po niyan ay price freeze. But we will also look into the supply, the needs, and food security is also very important,” she said. – Report from Mark Fetalco/AG-rir
