Aquino wants subsistence for fisher folks during hazardous weather conditions

by | Oct 3, 2011 | National News

President Benigno S. Aquino III has directed the Department of Social Welfare and Development to look into how the government can provide subsistence to fisher folk as a deterrent to fishing during extremely hazardous weather conditions. The President gave his directions to DSWD Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman during a briefing on the effects of typhoons Pedring and Quiel held at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) in Camp Aguinaldo Sunday. “Can the DSWD study if the marginal fisher folk …if they will not be allowed to venture out (to fish), can we give them some subsistence for the days that are extremely hazardous?” the President asked, adding whether a mechanism could be determined and funds be made available for this purpose. The President has expressed concern over the country’s fishermen who, despite being warned in advance of an incoming weather disturbance, choose to take a chance and go out to earn their living. (PCOO)

DA assures availability of rice supply

by | Oct 3, 2011 | National News

THE Department of Agriculture assured Sunday the availability of rice and other agricultural products despite the pummeling the country’s plantation fields in Northern and Central Luzon got as a result of two weather disturbances passing through one after the other last week. In a report to the President presented at a briefing held at the National Risk Reduction and Management Council in Camp Aguinaldo, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said that the staple could be sourced from Mindanao. He added that his agency was still in the process of estimating the damage wrought by typhoons “Pedring” and “Quiel” on the country’s agricultural sector but assured he would have the numbers soon. “He said the DA was ready to extend any assistance to the farmers and their families whose plantations were affected by the typhoons. (PCOO)