CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - A total of PHP12,795,000 quick response fund (QRF) was allocated by the Department of Agriculture in Region 10 (DA-10) to help farmers in the Northern Mindanao region who were badly hit by typhoon Odette last year. In an interview Saturday in the podcast of Cabinet Officers for Regional Development and Security - Northern Mindanao (Cords-10), DA-10 Technical Director Carlota Madriaga said around PHP1.9 million from the total amount was used to purchase fertilizers, PHP7.3 million for soil ameliorants, around PHP1.9 million for assorted vegetable seeds, and planting materials through the High-Value Crops Development Program; and PHP1.9 million for livestock. "We at DA not only advocating for inorganic farming but also a "balanced fertilization" program," she said, suggesting the mixing of both organic and inorganic methods. She also said improving the condition of the soil was important which is why the budget for soil ameliorants reached PHP7.3 million. As for livestock, Madriaga said they purchased 50 goats, 1,830 free-range chickens, and 3,760 doses of drugs and biologics for the animals. The DA-10 also extended financial assistance to farmers through the Survival and Recovery Assistance Program for Rice Farmers (Sure) where PHP75 million was allocated, and beneficiaries can avail a no-interest loan worth PHP10,000. Madriaga also said the DA-10 also extended help to affected residents in Caraga by providing 1,000 bags of seeds of rice for 1,000 hectares rice farm; and 200 bags of corn seeds for 200 hectares of cornfield. Private sector Meanwhile, telecommunications firm Globe Telecom also raised PHP1.9 million from its customers to help the survivors of typhoon Odette. The donations were turned over to Globe's partner organizations such as the Ayala Foundation, GMA Kapuso Foundation, and Rise Against Hunger Philippines. "The devastation left by Typhoon Odette called for a swift response. We are very grateful to our customers who are with us in this undertaking. The Rewards points that they donated will go a long way in helping step up humanitarian efforts to help as many people as we possibly can," said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications. Relief efforts led by Globe and its partner organizations have reached over 10,000 families in Palawan, Visayas, and Mindanao. (PNA) }