KABUGAO, Apayao – A total of 1,047 corn farmers, who were severely impacted by Super Typhoon Egay last year, received a much-needed boost in the form of agricultural assistance from the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR) – 1,062 bags of hybrid corn seeds valued at Php5,236,165.
Said assistance was given to these farmers on February 21-22, 2024, at the Poblacion Kabugao Gymnasium.
The aid package consisted of various corn seed varieties, including NK6410, NK8840, Healer 101, Healer 102, and CW-1777, allowing each recipient farmer to select their preferred variety.
This distribution marked the final phase of the rehabilitation program aimed at assisting farmers heavily affected by Super Typhoon Egay in Apayao. Funded under the FY 2023 Seed Reserve and Quick Response Fund, this initiative forms part of the Department’s broader rehabilitation and recovery efforts, aiming to alleviate the financial strain on farmers by covering a portion of their agricultural expenses.
According to the DA-CAR, Apayao province recorded 4,938 hectares of corn fields completely destroyed across the municipalities of Calanasan, Luna, Pudtol, Sta. Marcela, Flora, and Kabugao as a result of Super Typhoon Egay. To date, the province has received a total of 9,876 bags of corn seeds, amounting to P49.17 million, benefiting over 3,906 corn farmers.
Kabugao Mayor Bensmar Ligwang expressed gratitude for the timely assistance provided to his constituents by the DA-CAR. He emphasized that this aid will significantly ease the burden on farmers, with expectations of higher farm yields resulting from the quality seeds provided.
The distribution event was efficiently coordinated by the DA-CAR Corn Program in collaboration with the Local Government Unit of Kabugao, ensuring smooth and effective delivery of assistance to those in need. By Jomela Dela Torre