The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), led by Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, has distributed Php 55.8 million in rehabilitation resources to farmers severely affected by Super Typhoon “Julian,” which battered the province last October.
The multi-million worth of hybrid corn seeds, assorted vegetable seeds, rice seeds, and fertilizers, is aimed at restoring crops in lands damaged by extreme flooding and destructive winds. This initiative follows a recent assessment indicating that the typhoon impacted over 195,000 individuals across Ilocos Norte, with damages and losses reaching nearly Php 1.1 billion as of the report from the Provincial Resiliency Council dated October 7, 2024.
A total of 16,789 farmers received the support package, with the goal of ensuring timely agricultural recovery to safeguard food production in the Province.
During one of the distribution events, Governor Manotoc reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s commitment to supporting farmers, stating:
“Ito po ay in response sa Super Typhoon Julian, at ngayon may Marce pa. Ito po ay para sa inyo at gusto ko lang ipaalala sa inyo na magpa-insure po tayo. Kailangan may PCIC, dapat may crop insurance tayo para anytime handa po tayo.”
He further encouraged Ilokano farmers to request additional support if needed through the Provincial Government’s “Agri Ka Dito!” Program, which provides targeted assistance to farmers and fisherfolk.
Farmers in the province expressed their gratitude for the immediate response, emphasizing that the assistance would enable them to replant and restore their livelihoods.
As the province advances in recovery efforts, Governor Marcos Manotoc assured that continued support would be extended to other sectors impacted by the typhoon, including infrastructure and public services, to help restore stability in affected communities. (Mariell J. Pahinag)
(Source: Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte – Communications & Media Office)