In Leyte: Irish minister visits agri rehabilitation project

JARO, LEYTE, Philippines – The Irish Minister of State for Trade and Development visited this agricultural town last Thursday to see for himself the progress of an Irish-assisted agricultural rehabilitation program being implemented here by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Vast rice lands, ready for harvest by April, met Minister Joe Costello, who was accompanied by Irish Ambassador Joe Hayes, who was based in Singapore, and Kevin Kelly, Irish director for emergency and recovery.

Costello said he was “very, very pleased with what we saw; the fresh seeds growing and the crops ready for harvest in April.” To the cheers of the farmers present, he announced that he would report about what he saw back to Ireland so that his government will continue supporting the endeavor.

He said 500-million Euros were poured into the agricultural rehabilitation program, adding that the Irish government had released a total of 11-million Euros, in a span of four months, for the victims of typhoon Yolanda in Eastern Visayas and for recovery and rehabilitation in the region.

“Ireland is quite fond of Filipinos”, he said, pointing out that there are about 17,000 Filipinos working in Ireland “mostly in health services.” He however clarified that the funds were given directly to non-government and humanitarian organizations, such as the Red Cross.

Present to welcome the Irish officials to Brgy. Olotan of this town were Rajendra Aryal, FAO representative to the Philippines; town Councilor Rodrigo Arbas and top officials of the Department of Agriculture-8, led by assistant regional director Jenny Lyn Almeria.

Aryal told The Freeman that the interventions FAO introduced to the farming community “was very small” but it represented hope and recovery, as it planted the seeds of hope and recovery.”

Besides giving seeds and fertilizers to the farmers, the FAO would also help farmers acquire carabaos and tend layer hens, he said, adding that FAO was also helping coco farmers in intercropping method to tide them through the years while their coconut trees are recovering. (FREEMAN)