Masbate: The Department of Agriculture Bicol (DA-5) is set to distribute PHP63.7 million in aid to farmers in Masbate province who were adversely affected by Severe Tropical Storm Opong, internationally known as Bualoi, last month. The storm significantly impacted the agricultural industry in the region, prompting immediate action from the government.

According to Philippines News Agency, the aid package will consist of rice, corn, and vegetable seeds, alongside livestock and biologics. Lovella Guarin, chief of the DA-Bicol Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section, highlighted in an interview that the assistance is ready for distribution starting next week. "We have PHP63.7 million worth of assistance that can be distributed starting next week, which includes seeds for planting rice, corn, and vegetables, as well as animal livestock biologics," Guarin stated.

The department is also working closely with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) to speed up the validation process for farms damaged by the storm, which will enable the prompt release of indemnity checks to insured farmers. "The PCIC is also hastening the validation of damaged farms and the distribution of indemnity checks to farmers registered for crop insurance," Guarin added.

In an effort to stabilize the market, the DA has implemented a price freeze on agricultural commodities in Masbate. "The DA has already implemented a price freeze in Masbate, so the prices of agricultural commodities, which are necessities, are now fixed," Guarin noted.

Additionally, the National Food Authority and the Food Terminal Incorporated have established a Kadiwa store in Masbate, providing rice at PHP20 per kilo every day. The Office of Civil Defense in Bicol reported that agricultural production losses due to Opong amounted to more than PHP129 million across the six provinces.