President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday said that the government will focus on ensuring sufficient rice supply, as well as the quick restoration of electricity in communities devastated by Super Typhoon Egay.
“Again, rice, for me, is the most important,” President Marcos said during a situation briefing with different agencies and local officials in Abra.
The President noted the government has to find rice suppliers so that National Food Authority (NFA) could provide all the emergency support.
Since Benguet’s vegetable farms were affected by the typhoon, the President also said local vegetable supply will be reviewed to determine remedial measures to stablize prices.
Explaining importation is not a policy, the President said it will not be resorted to unless prices become unreasonable for the public. “Hindi ‘yan magiging policy,” Marcos said. “We will not import any agriculture [product] unless we see that the supply is so low that the prices will become out of reach sa ordinary consumer.”
Senator Imee Marcos, who accompanied the President during the visit to Abra, suggested the conduct of assessment of agricultural products that are still salvageable and to provide farmers with organic fertilizer, nitrogen, and ammonium sulfate.
She also suggested giving seeds of short duration to farmers such as Chinese kangkong, which can be harvested in less than two weeks.
Raisers’ livestock should be replaced with small ruminants and also with ducks and other appropriate poultry. “So, perhaps the small ruminants, some level of livestock, at least for a good turnaround para pagdating ng Pasko may kakainin,” she said.
Aside from ensuring stable grain supply, President Marcos said the government will concentrate on restoring power supply in Ilocos and Cordillera Administrative (CAR) regions.
“I’m looking at the report of the Department of Energy (DOE). So, what do we do? Of course, we are only at 2.5, 3 percent in terms of our electrification,” he said. “Tayo ang pinaka-behind sa Ilocos Norte, we’re at 2 (percent).”
Citing DOE record, Marcos said Ilocos Sur is at 37 percent in terms of energy restoration; Cagayan, 42 percent; Abra (Bangued only), 86 percent; Pangasinan, 100 percent; Cagayan, 97 percent; and Isabela,100 percent.
Marcos said although the government wants to restore power quickly, the huge number of toppled poles and power lines will make immediate electricity restoration difficult.
“That’s why it’s going to take a little time. So, of course, we’re going to do it as quickly as possible but… hindi puwedeng madaliin. Kailangan talaga maayos, kasi kung hindi masisira ang [substations].”
He also reported that Abra Electrical Cooperative (ABRECO)partially restored one municipality, with 26 other municipalities awaiting the resumption of power supply.
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) line from San Esteban to Bangued has been restored, while ABRECO energized Bangued on Saturday, he added, noting that there’s also an ongoing patrol and assessment of ABRECO’s distribution system and facilities to confirm if the electrical cooperative is ready to receive power.
In terms of providing relief assistance to typhoon survivors, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it is working with local officials to assess their need.
“Yes, sir, to make ‘yung requirements. We are constantly working with the LGUs, requirement po nila maco-comply po namin ‘yun. Latest tomorrow (Sunday) evening,” Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian told the President during the briefing. *PND*
