Governor Lilia G. Pineda committed that the provincial government will further intensify its assistance to farmers and fisherfolks whose agricultural crops and produce in various municipalities of Pampanga were severely damaged by the recent tropical storms Egay and Falcon.
The governor in a recent meeting with members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) and local government officials on typhoon damage assessment and updates also enjoined all concerned officials from the barangay to the municipal levels to work together and implement effective and efficient strategies which would prevent the occurrence of flooding and thus minimize damages to crops and properties.
The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) reported that typhoons and flood damages on crops and fishery in the province reached P423,932,673 as of June 28,2011.
A total of 7,506 hectares of farmland planted with rice, yellow and green corn, fruits and vegetables including brackish and fresh water fisheries were damaged.
OPA further reported that 8,379 farmers and fisherfolks in Mabalacat, Magalang, Angeles City, Sasmuan, Floridablanca,Lubao, Guagua, Sta. Rita, Bacolor, City of San Fernando, Mexico, Sta.Ana, Arayat,Candaba, Apalit, Macabebe, Minalin, San Luis, San Simon, Sto. Tomas and Masantol were affected.
The chief provincial executive agreed with Pampanga Mayors League President (PML) and Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo who informed the participants in the meeting of PDRRMC and LGUs that calamity funds for affected farmers and fisherfolks in his municipality are properly utilized by way of providing them with certified seeds and necessary technical assistance and services and not merely spent on relief goods distribution.
Pelayo said that food for work scheme is being done in his municipality as this ensures the participation and commitment of the beneficiaries themselves.
The governors enjoined the local chief executives to mobilize their respective constituents and start clearing and declogging canals, creeks and waterways, ensure proper waste disposal and management to prevent flooding.
More importantly, the governor urged the local barangay and municipal officials to strictly monitor flood control projects being undertaken in their respective communities. (Pampanga PIO)
