Flood-hit C. Valley gets P80-M Palace aid

CAUAYAN CITY — President Arroyo has extended an P80-million assistance to flood-hit areas in Cagayan Valley, which lost more than P1 billion worth of agricultural crops.

Isabela Vice Gov. Ramon Reyes said half of the amount was released immediately after Mrs. Arroyo announced the assistance during her two-hour meeting with regional and local officials at the Cauayan airport’s conference hall last Friday.

Reyes said the other P40 million will be released soon.

Rudie Bueno, regional director of the Philippine Information Agency, said the calamity funds would go to the purchase of farm inputs for thousands of flood-affected farmers and the construction of water impounding dams.

Isabela, the country’s major rice- and corn-producing province, suffered the bulk of the crop damage as well as poultry and fishery losses, estimated at least P800 million, prompting the provincial board to declare a state of calamity.

The flash floods spawned by intermittent rains for almost three weeks in December also left some P200 million worth of crop losses in Cagayan.

The other Cagayan Valley provinces — Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino and Batanes — also suffered agricultural losses.

During her brief stay here, Mrs. Arroyo, accompanied by Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca and officials of the regional disaster coordinating council led by Chief Superintendent Jefferson Soriano, Cagayan Valley police director, also conducted an aerial survey of flood-hit farmlands.

The President advised local officials to prioritize the construction of water impounding dams to prevent flash floods, and embark on massive tree-planting.

"The President expressed concern for all of us and for the environment. She really cares. We thank her for (spending) time with the people of Isabela and the region," said Rep. Isabela fourth district Rep. Anthony Miranda.