MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / Dec. 22, 2012) – San Juan Representative JV Ejercito Estrada has appealed to the government to provide more help and support to the victims of typhoon “Pablo” (Bopha) in Mindanao this Christmas.
Ejercito Estrada said that aside from giving victims relief goods, the Aquino government should also consider providing them with farm inputs and post harvest-facilities since areas that were badly hit by the typhoon were mostly farming communities.
“As we celebrate Christmas, let us not forget our brothers in Mindanao who have lost their own homes and their loved ones,” he said.
He also noted that the provision of farm inputs will be a good initial step to help farmers immediately rehabilitate their farm lands.
Ejercito Estrada revealed that banana farmers from Compostela Valley province informed their village chieftains that they are keen on planting corn and other quick-maturing crops and vegetables.
Corn can be harvested 58 to 90 days after planting depending on the seed variety, soil type, and the weather. In contrast, banana farmers have to wait nine months before they can harvest their crop.
Ejercito Estrada said banana and coconut farmers can practice inter-cropping and plant fast-maturing crops so they can have an alternative source of income.
The banana subsector bore the brunt of the typhoon, destroying an estimated P8 billion worth of bananas. Coconut farmers also lost more than P700 million of crops due to strong winds.
Without intervention, Ejercito Estrada expressed apprehension that affected residents in Mindanao would soon go hungry.
“There is a limit to the relief goods and other forms of assistance we could give to typhoon victims. We need to help the victims stand on their own two feet,” he said.
Total damage to agriculture due to typhoon Pablo is expected to top P12 billion. The storm’s death toll climbed to more than 1,000 while more than 900 others are missing.
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