Sen. Marcos calls for all-out support for farmers affected by Lando

The government should provide all available assistance to farmers affected by typhoon Lando to enable them to rebuild their lives as soon as possible, Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos said today.

"Assistance to the victims should not end with just the distribution of relief goods. We should give adequate support to our farmers so they can resume planting and return to normal as soon as possible," Marcos said.

For starters Marcos said the government should provide cheap credit facilities to the affected farmers.

Among others, Marcos said available credit facilities include the Sikat Saka program of the Department of Agriculture.

Other credit facilities available include the Agro-Industry Modernization Credit and Financing Program, Agri-Microfinance Program, and the Cooperative Banks Agri-Lending Program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council.

"But as much as possible the process should be simplified so the farmers could avail of the loans as soon as possible," Marcos said.

In addition, Marcos said the farmers should be provided crop insurance coverage under the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation to ensure they can rise again from the devastation of typhoon Lando.

PCIC provides insurance for rice crop, corn crop, high value crops, fisheries, livestock and even non-crops covering too agricultural equipment.

Likewise, Marcos said the DA should field its technicians to help farmers determine the best use of lands submerged in floods and covered with thick mud.

Earlier, Marcos also urged the department to use its available funds to distribute seeds to farmer affected by the typhoon.