The Department of Agriculture (DA) has received a donation of 100,000 bags of rice from South Korea to aid communities affected by Tropical Storm (TS) Kristine. The ceremonial distribution, led by DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., took place in Laurel, Batangas, with rice being allocated to regions including Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Bicol.
This donation, part of the Asean Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) program, totals 4,000 metric tons (MT). APTERR is a regional initiative involving ASEAN member countries, China, Japan, and South Korea, focused on strengthening food security and providing emergency support in the wake of natural and man-made disasters.
In a statement, Secretary Laurel highlighted the importance of the rice donation, noting its timely nature given the current high food prices and the damage caused by natural disasters. “This generous support from South Korea will significantly bolster the country’s recovery efforts, especially in areas like Batangas, which was hit hard by TS Kristine,” he said.
The Philippines has faced substantial agricultural losses in recent years, with P57.78 billion worth of damage recorded in 2024, exacerbated by both El Niño and tropical storms. This donation provides critical relief, helping mitigate the pressures on local food markets and supporting the country’s broader efforts to rebuild.
