TACLOBAN CITY, Oct. 14 -- The provincial government of Biliran has rolled out a cash-for-work program to assist rice farmers whose farmlands were affected by the recent damage to irrigation facilities caused by Severe Tropical Storm Opong.

The program, jointly implemented by the Provincial Agricultural Office and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), seeks to help farmers restore their damaged irrigation systems while providing them with temporary income support.

Gov. Rogelio Espina said in a statement Tuesday the initiative is a crucial step to safeguard the province's rice harvest and ensure the livelihood of the affected farmers.

"We need to save our rice harvest in the province and help our rice farmers," Es...