Trucks, tractors to be used to clean up Yolanda areas

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is acquiring tractors for use in clearing fallen trees in Yolanda-affected areas.

Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes said the procurement of trucks and tractors will be made as soon as possible.

“The DAR will have these machines refurbished and delivered to their intended farmer-beneficiaries,” he said.

The DAR is coordinating with agencies under the Department of Agriculture (DA) particularly, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) in the rehabilitation of coconut farms hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda last November.

BFAR Director Asis Perez said they welcomed DAR’s assistance of supplying heavy-duty tractors, trucks and other farm equipment needed for the rehabilitation of coconut farms in the regions affected by Yolanda.

“We need to have those 120-hp tractors and the other equipment from DAR,” he said.

“Hopefully, within the next three weeks, we can begin clearing the farms and process fallen coconut trees into lumber or wood chips for fertilizer and fuel.”

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala named Perez special supervising officer for the rehabilitation efforts in Eastern Visayas.

Perez said the big tractors from DAR will augment small hand tractors that they already have on the ground along with 500 power chainsaws earlier from the PCA.

They expect to accomplish the clearing operation within 75 days with the provision of the necessary farm equipment, manpower and supplies, he added.            

 Various groups led by the Fair Trade Alliance (FTA) and international aid organization Oxfam have been calling on the government to expedite the delivery of emergency aid and equipment to small-scale coconut farmers and fisherfolk in Leyte, Samar and Biliran.