The Department of Agriculture said it needs a considerable increase in budgetary investment in the agricultural sector to help it rebound from the damaged wrought by Typhoon Odette.
In a virtual press conference, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Agnes Miranda reported on behalf of Secretary William Dar, that the typhoon caused about P13 billion in agricultural damage.

“The management of rebuilding will find its ramparts in a considerable increase in budgetary investment in the agriculture sector along with a healthy policy environment, particularly in pandemic management,” she noted.
Miranda said the DA continues to promote livelihood under our 18-strategy Reform Agenda, which rolls on through a vision of modernization, industrialization, consolidation, and professionalization.
“These are long-term visions that must be shored up by immediate-term policy support, especially as concern urgent and contingent challenges, such as COVID-19 surges and natural disasters,” she added.
On top of the emergency aid the DA provides the most affected farmers and fishers, it also forges ahead with its productivity enhancement programs.
“These are complemented by a thorough direct marketing program, the Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita, to secure markets and better prices for farmers and consumers, respectively, and customized credit programs for the youth and special sectors to increase the participation base in agricultural production and agribusiness,” said Miranda.
The DA is moving on from rice-centered production and diversifying industries according to competitive advantage.
“The move to link up production centers to agri-industrial business corridors in the offing will significantly revive our trade cachet and broker the crucial link between agriculture and manufacturing,” said Miranda.