Haiyan rehabilitation project for rice farmers closes with ceremony in Ormoc

FAO, ILO and Save the Children recently marked the closure of the DFID-funded project supporting small-scale rice and corn farming communities that were severely affected by Typhoon Haiyan in Leyte province. The project focused on the synergies between the three agencies: restoration of livelihoods, income generation, food self-sufficiency and building the resilience of small-scale farmers.

Attended by officials and representatives from regional and local governments, along with members of farmers' associations from four municipalities, the closing event was marked by the ceremonial planting of a hardwood tree in one of the Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT) sites in Barangay Lake Danao.

During the ceremony, the farmers' associations were able to present their accomplishments and plans for maintenance and production of the SALT sites and also received asset transfer certificates from FAO and the local government. The assets’ handover follows the individual trainings provided to farmers on maintenance and repair for the various farm implements distributed, including rice threshers, rice reapers, shredders and cultivators. 

Speaking at the event, the Mayor of San Isidro, the Hon. Susan Yap-Ang noted how, thanks to the project, the people of Ormoc have started to stabilize their livelihood and food security. “We have risen from the debris and we stood up,” Ms Yap-Ang said. The joint project supported short-term employment opportunities, developed alternative agricultural practices, and provided capacity building to 6 800 rice and corn farming households.