Loan assistance for Mayon displaced farmers OK’d

LEGAZPI CITY – Albay farmers affected by the recent eruption of Mayon Volcano may apply for a loan at the city or municipal agriculture office nearest to them.

The farmers can avail themselves of the Production Loan Easy Access (PLES), which is being offered by the Department of Agriculture without interest and collateral.

The Albay Provincial Agricultural Services (APAS) said the farmers could apply for a loan ranging from P50,000 to P150,000 starting this month.

APAS chief Che Rebeta said the P25,000 loan credit earlier promised to the farmers was put on hold due to problems on the ap- plications.

“There were duplications and inconsistencies in the application forms,” Rebeta said.

The loan will enable farmers procure seeds and replant their farms as well as provide livelihood for their families.

“This is good news for the affected farmers who are now preparing the land for planting,” Rebeta added.

Records showed that Mayon’s damage to agriculture amounted to at least P166 million.

At least 10,000 farmers from the towns of Bacacay, Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan, Malilipot, Oas, Polangui and Sto. Domingo as well as in cities of Legazpi, Ligao and Tabaco, all in Albay, were affected by the volcano eruption.