Manila, July 23 -- Government aid for farmers and fishers affected by Severe Tropical Storm Crising (international name Wipha) and the enhanced southwest monsoon has reached nearly PHP1.2 billion, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Wednesday.

In a virtual press briefing, Agriculture spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa assured that the interventions are already prepositioned for distribution.

Initial assistance includes PHP545.56 million worth of rice, corn, and vegetable seeds to farmers in Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, and Soccsksargen.

The Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) has also allocated PHP400 million under its Survival and Recovery (SURE) loan pro...