Department of Agriculture (DA) Region IV-CALABARZON has distributed a total of 100 carabaos and 100 cattle worth P7 million through its Taal Recovery and Rehabilitation Program to affected farmers from the municipalities of Taal, San Jose, and Malvar in Batangas, this second week of September 2020.

This distribution is still part of the ongoing support of the regional office for Taal-affected farmers that aims to provide alternative livelihood assistance to them.

On September 7, the regional office distributed a total of 20 carabaos worth P700,000 to farmers in Lipa City.

Meanwhile, a total of 32 farmers from Mabini each received cattle heads from DA amounting to P1,120,000 on September 8.

On September 9, the regional office delivered 80 carabaos worth P2,800,000 to Laurel farmer-recipients. On the same day, a total of 30 farmer-beneficiaries from Taal each received a beef cattle head worth P1,050,000. Meanwhile, eight Taal-affected farmers from San Jose have each received one beef cattle worth P280,000.

Mayor Joan Lumbres-Amo thanked the Department on behalf of the farmers in Laurel for its untiring support to the farmers affected by Taal volcanic eruption, particularly during this pandemic.

A total of 30 farmer-recipients from Malvar each subsequently received a beef cattle head worth P1,050,000 on September 12.

Malvar Mayor Cristeta Reyes expressed her appreciation for the assistance of the regional office for the farmers of her municipality. She said this aid from DA would certainly be treasured and well taken care of. “This support from DA CALABARZON will help our farmers and their families and the generations to come,” the mayor said.

The distributions were attended by Regional Director Arnel V. de Mesa; Assistant Regional Director for Operations and Rice Program Coordinator Mr. Dennis R. Arpia; and Assistant Regional Director for Research and Regulations, and Livestock Program Coordinator Ms. Vilma M. Dimaculangan. • (MAP, DA-RAFIS)