The Department of Agriculture (DA) assured Canlaon City Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas yesterday of its support for the city’s recovery efforts to aid farmers affected by the Mt. Kanlaon eruption.

Albert Barogo, DA-Negros Island Region (NIR) Executive Director, told the Philippine News Agency in an interview that Assistant Secretary Daniel Atayde gave the assurance during a meeting with the mayor and other city officials at the city hall yesterday.

Atayde funds would be sourced for recovery efforts once Canlaon finalizes its rehabilitation plan, Barogo said.

The DA plans to provide seeds, fertilizers and silage for livestock affected by the eruption after Cardenas specifically requested aid “in kind and not in cash,” Barogo said.

Farmers from villages within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone of Mt. Kanlaon remained in evacuation centers since the December 9 eruption.

They are allowed to tend their farms during the day but must return to the evacuation sites by night.

Some livestock have been transferred to a holding area at the city agriculture office, while other farmers opted to have their farm animals “adopted” temporarily by relatives until they are cleared to return to their homes.

Canlaon City is a major rice producer and source of vegetables in Negros Oriental.

The local government is expected to submit its final rehabilitation plan next week, detailing the scope of damage to farmers, agricultural lands, livestock, and high-value crops. (PNA)