Davao occidental: Hundreds of farmers in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, affected by recent calamities received more than PHP8 million worth of agricultural assistance, the Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-11) said Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, DA-11 Regional Director Macario Gonzaga stated that the aid underscores the agency's commitment to providing timely interventions and helping communities recover. During the national rollout of government support in Barangay Nuing on August 21, DA-11 distributed 500 bags of milled rice valued at PHP250,000; 100 bags of OPV white corn seeds worth PHP150,000; 50 bags of hybrid yellow corn seeds worth PHP300,000; and 21 boxes of 8-in-1 vegetable seeds valued at PHP271,320.

Livestock and poultry interventions included a PHP1.21-million goat production project, a PHP1.13-million native chicken project, 300 heads of free-range chickens worth PHP24,000, and 10 upgraded goats valued at PHP70,000. The agency also provided PHP50,000 worth of animal drugs and biologics, along with PHP5 million worth of Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) modules.

"Among our priorities are the assessment of damaged farms and facilities, provision of appropriate inputs, and support for the rehabilitation of your sources of livelihood," Gonzaga emphasized, highlighting the importance of coordination with local governments to ensure responsive aid.

Jose Abad Santos Mayor Jason John Joyce expressed gratitude to DA-11 for the assistance, noting that it would enhance recovery efforts for farming communities. "For Jose Abad Santos, recovery is not only about rebuilding structures. It is about restoring livelihoods, strengthening communities, and bringing hope closer to every family," he remarked.

These interventions are part of the government's ongoing efforts to provide immediate support to calamity-affected agricultural communities and help restore livelihood activities toward a faster and more resilient recovery.