By Lilian Mellejor/Philippine News Agency
DAVAO CITY — The city government is set to extend some PHP3.4 million in cash assistance to areas in the Visayas and Davao Region that are reeling from the dry spell.
The Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DCDRRMC) backed the move to extend financial aid to five municipalities in Davao del Sur, 29 villages in Iloilo, 25 towns in Cebu, and 28 villages in Cebu City.
DCDRRMC members discussed the assistance during an emergency meeting Wednesday, said City Administrator and lawyer, Zuleika Lopez.
According to DCRRMC chief Alfredo Baloran, they recommended the assistance package of PHP500,000 to Davao del Sur; PHP300,00 each for the three municipalities in Western Visayas; PHP1 million to the Province of Cebu; and PHP500,000 for Cebu City.
Baloran said a total of 6,301 hectares of agricultural lands in five areas have suffered losses, affecting 6,507 farmers.
In Davao del Sur alone, the Department of Agriculture last month reported that PHP161.2 million worth of rice and corn crops were damaged, affecting close to 4,000 farmers since the severe drought hit the province late last year.
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