By Ellalyn De Vera Ruiz The Department of Agriculture (DA) has assured the provision of assistance to farmers and fishermen affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano. Agriculture Secretary Dr. William D. Dar (KEVIN TRISTAN ESPIRITU / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) DA Secretary William Dar on Monday emphasized that the department's priority is to ensure the safety of farmers, fishermen, their families, and other rural folk, including their farm animals. He has ordered DA-Region 4A Director Arnel de Mesa and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Region 4A (BFAR) Director Sammy Malvas to "provide immediate updates on the risk areas, affected farmers, fisherfolk and their families, and appropriate assistance." Through the Agricultural Credit and Policy Council (ACPC), Dar said the DA is ready to provide emergency loan assistance to affected farmers and fisherfolk. "We can provide an emergency loan of P25,000, zero interest, payable in three years, under the survival and recovery loan program," he pointed out. He also noted that the affected farmers and fisherfolk have an option to borrow a higher amount under the micro and small agribusiness program. ACPC Executive Director Jocelyn Badiola said funds are readily available and can be channelled through its existing conduits in Batangas. DA also advised farmers and fisherfolk to evacuate livestock animals to safer areas, harvest marketable crops and fish in areas not heavily affected by the ash fall, and secure farm equipment and machineries.