Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has urged the government to protect farmers and fisherfolk before another typhoon or strong habagat hits the country.
Pangilinan also called for a temporary halt in the collection of agricultural loans in areas badly affected by recent storms and flooding.
“Huwag nating hintaying masira ang kanilang kabuhayan bago tayo kumilos,” he said.
The senator said the government should act early to protect farms, fishponds, boats, fishing nets and other sources of livelihood.
“Kapag nasira ang pananim, palaisdaan, bangka, lambat, at iba pang kabuhayan, hindi lang kita ng magsasaka at mangingisda ang nawawala. Pati ang pagkain na dapat nasa hapag ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino ay nalalagay sa peligro,” he added.
The Department of Agriculture earlier reported that damage and losses to the agriculture sector from the habagat and tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay and Neneng had reached P1.79 billion.
The storms have affected 51,229 farmers and damaged 41,647 hectares of agricultural land, while around 44,745 metric tons of production have been lost.
Pangilinan said many farmers and fisherfolk have yet to recover from the previous storms.
“Sunod-sunod ang sama ng panahon. Hindi pa nga nakakabangon ang marami nating magsasaka at mangingisda, may paparating na naman. Huwag nating hintaying lumubog muli ang mga bukid, matangay ang mga bangka, at mawala ang kanilang kabuhayan bago tayo kumilos,” the senator said.
Pangilinan warned that damage to farms and fishing grounds would also affect ordinary consumers because a lower food supply could lead to higher prices.
“Kapag nasira ang pananim at pangisdaan, hindi lamang magsasaka at mangingisda ang nawawalan. Nababawasan ang suplay ng pagkain, tumataas ang presyo ng mga bilihin sa palengke, at buong bayan ang nagbabayad,” he said.
Typhoon Saudel entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday, Aug. 24, as the habagat continued to bring rains to parts of Luzon.IMT
