 DA allots P447M for typhoon-affected areas in Luzon. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala (inset, 2nd from right) inspects storm-damaged palay in Barangay Calizon, Calumpit, Bulacan, where ricefields are still submerged in flood waters (background). Secretary Alcala and top DA officials undertook a three-day (October 19-21) visit of eight provinces in Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon adversely affected by typhoons Pedring and Quiel. The DA allotted an initial package of assistance totaling P446 million (P331 million for Central Luzon and P116 million for Cagayan Valley) to enable farmers, fishers and their respective localities recover and start anew. With him are Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado (left), National Irrigation Administrator Antonio Nangel (middle), and Calumpit farmers and local officials. (Photo by Joe Lucas, DA Information Service) |