Communities in areas ravaged by Supertyphoon “Yolanda” in Western Visayas have started to pick up the pieces, but government planners, officials and business leaders are seeing difficulty in reaching full recovery. On the other hand, the rehabilitation efforts also open opportunities for strategic, balanced and sustainable growth, according to business leaders. Agriculture and fisheries are expected to slow down due to the destruction of boats, crops, farm and fish implements and gears, and related infrastructure, said Raul Anlocotan, assistant regional director of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda). The Department of Agriculture estimated the damage to agriculture and fisheries at P7.48 billion, including crops, fish production, facilities and other structures, gear and equipment.

Burgos, N. P. Jr. (2014, January 13). Opportunities emerge from rehab efforts. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A14.