Cagayan Valley experienced historic flooding due to the onslaught of typhoon Ulysses. In particular, almost the entire provinces of Cagayan and Isabela were submerged in water as the Cagayan River swelled due to consecutive typhoons compounded by the torrential release of water from Magat Dam during the height of typhoon Ulysses.

The region is considered as the rice bowl of the north with majority of its population relying on rice farming as a form of livelihood. It is also a highly agricultural region that produces various crops and raises different livestocks to supply food not within the region but to many parts of the country as well. The devastation caused by the massive flooding brought enormous losses in crops, livestocks, and properties. It also hugely imperiled the food production, which may pose a threat to food security.

The Commission on Human Rights recognizes the 2.2 billion assistance from the Department of Agriculture (DA) for severely-affected farmers in Cagayan Valley or Region II. The aid will include rice, rice seeds, corn seeds, fertilizers, seedling trays, poultry goods, and ducks according to DA Secretary William Dar. These agricultural inputs are essential in helping the farmers restart with their agricultural livelihood. Moreover, it is vital in food production and in revitalizing the economy of the region.

Considering the extent of damages–many farmers lost not only their source of livelihood but almost all their properties as well–we hope that immediate cash and food aid are also provided to them to tide them over till the next harvest season. There is also a need to ensure accountability and conduct investigation as to whether the unprecedented flooding could have been prevented and the people sufficiently warned of its extent.

Farmers suffer compounding vulnerability due to typhoons, which mire them in cyclical debts and poverty. We expect that the aids are distributed with promptness, efficiency, and transparency to ensure that no farmer is left behind. Prioritizing their recovery is essential to food security and will redound to the entire community. To ensure their welfare in the long term, we must also do our part in mitigating the impacts of climate change to address the major root of their suffering. ###