MANILA, Philippines — Farmers whose crops have been affected by ashfall from Taal Volcano should get financial grants from the government and not loans, Rep. Lawrence Fortun (Agusan Del Norte) said Tuesday. The Department of Agriculture has announced that farmers can avail of three-year zero-interest loans of P25,000 under its Survival and Recovery loan program, but Fortun said affected farmers should not have to pay the government back for assistance. Related Stories Coffee farms worst hit by Taal ashfall"Dear Department of Agriculture, please do not give loans to farmers who already lost everything because of the Taal Volcano eruption. In a separate statement, the National Federation of Peasant Women, or Amihan, called on the DA to use its P1-billion quick response fund to help affected farmers and fishers. (They need help, not a loan) The government should provide immediate relief and compensation for farmers and fisherfolk," Amihan national chairperson Zenaida Soriano said.

Source: Philippine Star January 14, 2020 09:22 UTC