A farmer’s group is gathering and sending donations to farmers and fisherfolk who lost their homes and livelihood to typhoon “Rolly” in Bicol region.
Calling it “Tabang Bicol,” the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas and its relief and rehabilitation machinery “Sagil Kanayuan,” together with “Tulong Anakpawis,” spearheaded the relief and rehabilitation drive.
Overall, agriculture and coastal towns were severely hit by Rolly, with several farmers, fishermen, and people in rural areas affected and without livelihood.
As of Wednesday, the total amount of damages in agriculture from the super typhoon rose to P2 billion from the previously reported P1.75 billion, affecting about 31,000 farmers.
“Thousands of hectares of rice and corn paddies and vegetable crops were deluged in flood, coconut and other trees fell, and farm animals drowned,” KMP chair Danilo Ramos noted.
“It will take several months and even years before farmers and fisherfolk can recover. We are seeking all the help we can get for our farmers and fisherfolk,” he said.
KMP is seeking urgent donations and support to aid farmers in need of immediate relief. Among which are rice, food, hygiene kits, drinking water, clothes, sleeping kits, and medicines.
The group also pushed for a more long-term rehabilitation plan to help the affected farmers and fishermen.
The Bicol region bore the brunt of Rolly, with Albay and Catanduanes the hardest-hit provinces, as these have still no power supply and communication.
Several residents remain missing and believed to be buried alive after lahar, combined with massive flooding, submerged their villages in Guinobatan , Albay.
KMP called for swift aid for Catanduanes, noting most of its residents are fishing and farming families.