DAR to help in clearing ops in Yolanda hit areas

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Agrarian Reform said on Friday that it is coordinating with other government agencies in the clearing operations of areas hit by supertyphoon Yolanda.

Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes said that he met with the regional officials of the DAR, Department of Agriculture, and Philippine Coconut Authority on Monday in Tacloban to discuss areas where the DAR can help in the clearing operations.

"I understand that areas where there are agrarian reform beneficiaries, such as our agrarian reform communities, have yet to be cleared of debris, like felled coconut trees.  The DAR is coordinating with DA and PCA in order to clear these debris. The DAR can provide, among others, equipment, such as tractors, to help in clearing these areas," de los Reyes said.

He said DAR is procuring tractors, which are intended to assist in the operation of the government in clearing fallen trees in Yolanda-struck areas, under the negotiated mode of procurement. 

"As soon as the DAR receives a report as to what type of tractor is needed in the clearing, it will proceed with the procurement of the tractors," he added.  

The report is expected to be included in the operation plan being coordinated and drawn up by DA, PCA, and DAR.