TACLOBAN CITY – The Biliran provincial government has begun a month-long cash-for-work program to help rice farmers recover from the heavy losses brought by Typhoon “Opong”, which severely damaged irrigation systems and farmlands across the province.
Governor Rogelio Espina said on Tuesday, October 7, that the initiative is being implemented through the Office of the Provincial Agricultural Services (OPAS) and will run from October 1 to 31, 2025. The program aims to rehabilitate irrigation systems and ensure adequate water supply for standing rice crops currently in critical growth stages.
According to the provincial government, about 990 affected rice farmers from several municipalities are expected to benefit from the P2.52 million emergency program. Each farmer will receive P416 per day as part of the province’s efforts to provide both short-term income and labor for the recovery effort.
Based on initial assessments, Typhoon Opong left around 441.8 hectares of rice fields totally damaged and another 1,823 hectares partially affected, with many irrigation systems rendered unusable. The damage has caused a shortage of water supply during the vegetative, flowering, and soft dough stages of rice production—periods vital for grain development.
Governor Espina emphasized that immediate action is necessary to prevent a steep decline in rice yield, which could lead to significant economic losses for farmers and potential shortages in the local rice supply.
“Without immediate intervention, there is a high risk of significant yield reduction, which could lead to shortages in local rice supply and economic losses for the farmers,” Espina said.
Under the program, members of rice farmers’ associations in affected municipalities will be tasked with clearing and repairing damaged irrigation channels and restoring water flow to farmlands. Only legitimate users of the irrigation systems will be hired to ensure that assistance directly benefits those who rely on these systems for their livelihood.
The OPAS said the initiative not only provides temporary employment for farmers but also supports food security in the province. By restoring irrigation and rescuing standing rice crops, the program is expected to help sustain the production of 170,146 cavans of palay, which could feed over 37,000 people for a year if the crops are successfully saved from water stress.
The provincial government added that the cash-for-work program benefits both the farming sector and the broader community by preventing a decline in rice production and ensuring continued food supply.
Biliran remains under a state of calamity as of September 29, following the widespread agricultural damage caused by Typhoon Opong.
(JOEY A. GABIETA/ROEL T.AMAZONA)
