Japan helps in recovery of agri, biz sectors in Yolanda-hit areas

MANILA, Philippines - A team from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on Sunday met with the Leyte Chamber of Commerce and Industry and micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Leyte and Tacloban City as part of the Japanese government's assistance to the economic recovery of areas devastated by typhoon Yolanda.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Leyte Provincial Director Desiderio Bellas, Jr. said the meeting was the first in a series of consultations for the economic recovery package for the agriculture, industrial and business sectors affected by the super typhoon.

Bellas said JICA is working with the Department of Agriculture in the recovery program of agriculture and agribusiness sectors in the affected areas.

He said the delegation from Japan raised issues on the provision of soft loans and tax holiday for the disrupted businesses, and suggested the continuation of the cash-for-work program while business operations haven't normalized yet and to sustain the relief and food packs distribution in the area.

The JICA team said the program needs to be regulated as some workers are no longer interested in returning to work owing to pay disparity.

Bellas added that DTI Regional Director Cynthia Nierras is also discussing concerns of the business sector in the devastated communities.