Two party-list lawmakers from Bayan Muna have called for a moratorium on payments of loans or debts incurred by farmers hit by Typhoon “Ursula.”
"According to the Department of Agriculture, damage to agriculture in areas battered by Typhoon Ursula has ballooned to P1.35 billion and it is but right to call for a moratorium on loan payments of farmers hit by the typhoon,” said House Deputy Minority Leader Carlos Isagani Zarate and Rep. Eufemia Cullamat in a statement.
The two said farmers are still reeling from the disaster since most of them had their homes and crops destroyed.
“The least creditors both public and private can do is delay collection from the loans of farmers. In fact, if they are really kindhearted, they can also waive the collection of penalties and surcharges, or, even write off the debts of the farmers altogether," Zarate said.
The Department of Agriculture-Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Operation Center said 29,056 hectares of agricultural land were damaged and 79,752 farmers were affected in Mimaropa, Bicol and Western, Central and Eastern Visayas during the onslaught of Typhoon Ursula.
Production losses were placed at 36,389 metric tons.
The fisheries sector was hardest hit, accounting for 44 percent of the damage valued at P589.06 million. At least 43,813 fisherfolk were affected.
“As it is, we strongly urge government financial institutions in particular, such as the Land Bank and Development Bank of the Philippines, to lead in the implementation of a moratorium on loan payments, penalties and charges for at least a year, as aid to the typhoon victims,” Cullamat said.