Photo courtesy from PTV

Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa, conducted an inspection in the affected areas of Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro. The local government had previously declared a state of calamity due to the effects of El Niño.

Prior to this, the department, in collaboration with DA Undersecretary Jerome Oliveros, engaged with farmers to outline programs such as insurance claims, rice farmer financial support, fuel assistance, and credit assistance.

Additionally, the DA coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for immediate aid to affected farmers, including the distribution of food packs and the launch of the TUPAD Program.