The provincial government of Biliran has rolled out a cash-for-work program to assist rice farmers whose farmlands were affected by the recent damage to irrigation facilities caused by Severe Tropical Storm Opong.
The program, jointly implemented by the Provincial Agricultural Office and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), seeks to help farmers restore their damaged irrigation systems while providing them with temporary income support.
Gov. Rogelio Espina said in a statement Tuesday the initiative is a crucial step to safeguard the province’s rice harvest and ensure the livelihood of the affected farmers.
“We need to save our rice harvest in the province and help our rice farmers,” Espina said.
“Due to [Severe Tropical Storm] Opong’s onslaught, we need to rehabilitate our dams and other irrigation structures to secure water supply for about 1,823 hectares of palay farms currently experiencing inadequate irrigation.”
According to the governor, the immediate restoration of these irrigation facilities is vital, as the affected rice lands can produce up to 170,146 bags of palay (unhusked rice), enough to feed an estimated 37,213 people for one year.
He warned that any delay in rehabilitation efforts could result in significant yield reduction, leading to potential local rice shortages and income losses for farmers.
Under the proposed cash-for-work scheme, members of local rice farmers’ associations who directly benefit from the irrigation systems will be hired to carry out the rehabilitation work. Tasks include clearing debris, repairing canals and restoring water flow to the affected rice fields.
The work is expected to be completed within 20 days, depending on the severity of the damage and the accessibility of the sites.
The provincial government has allocated PHP2.52 million to fund the program, with each participating farmer receiving PHP416 per day as compensation for their labor.
A total of 990 farmers from six towns — Caibiran, Biliran, Culaba, Kawayan, Almeria and Naval — are expected to benefit from the program. These areas sustained the most severe damage to their irrigation facilities due to Opong. (PNA)