THE government has provided a seed fund to assist food retailers in five town of Negros Oriental heavily-damaged by the recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said at least P5 million worth of basic commodities like meat, eggs, vegetables and fish products were resold at pre-calamity market prices in the towns of Tayasan, Jimalalud, Ayungon, La Libertad and Guihulngan.  

The government, through the DA-Eastern Visayas office, ensures that supply of basic agricultural food items in the quake-hit areas are continuous and adequate.

Alcala visited Negros Oriental and chaired an emergency meeting attended by heads of DA attached agencies in Dumaguete City. He ordered the deployment of officers to ensure the availability and price stability of basic food items. 

The officers will monitor prices and availability of food supply and will facilitate market linkage between producers and consumers.

Alcala also ordered the DA Central Visayas regional management committee to craft an institutional quick response mechanism to ensure adequate food supplies and stable prices during calamities.   Joel dela Torre