DA PROJECT TO SUPPORT YOLANDA AFFECTED TOWN

PRESS RELEASE

(Photo by: Francis Rosaroso)

Anahawan, Southern Leyte --- The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 8 recently launched a project that would provide livelihood rehabilitation assistance to Yolanda-affected municipalities in the region.

In a simple ceremony held at Anahawan, Southern Leyte on February 27, 2017, the office, together with the Local Government Unit of Anahawan and farmer-beneficiaries, led the launching of Yolanda Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program (YRRP) for the said municipality.

Accordingly, the YRRP project aims to restore farming livelihoods in areas/ municipalities which were heavily affected by Supertyphoon Yolanda. It will also assist local governments and communities to recover and build back better their agriculture-related economic activities; and, develop livelihood projects that can serve as a venue and mechanism of coordination and harmonization of the various assistance provided by People’s Organizations, and local and international Non-Governmental Organizations.

One of the highlights of the activity was the ceremonial turnover of check worth P11.5 million which was handed over by DA-RFO 8 OIC Regional Executive Director U-Nichols A. Manalo to Hon. Diego A. Loquinte, Municipal Mayor of Anahawan.

The amount replenishes the funding to the livelihood projects for farmers’ associations in the municipality, namely, goat raising integrated with banana, peanut, cassava and corn farming system to be undertaken by Anahawan Corn Farmers Association (ACFA); and, chicken and swine raising in rice and vegetable farming system by the Mahalo-Lewing Irrigators Association (MALEIA). The amount downloaded to the LGU shall be used in the procurement of inputs and goods.

Dir. Manalo commended the local officials and partner stakeholders because the municipality was the first Yolanda-affected area in the region that was able to comply the requirements.

Moreover, he emphasized the continued cooperative efforts of the local government, beneficiaries and national government agencies for the full realization of the project.

Mayor Loquinte extended his gratitude for the support of the national government which would be instrumental in improving the living conditions of the farmers, especially those affected by the supertyphoon.

Aside from the livelihood support, a Farmer's Multi-Purpose Shed cum Info Center and Bodega shall also be established in the municipality. (DA-8)