P500M agri products damaged by Fabian-enhanced habagat
THE southwest monsoon or habagat enhanced by the Typhoon Fabian has already damaged more than P500-million worth of agricultural products and farmlands in seven regions in the country.
In its Bulletin No. 6 on the SW Monsoon enhanced by TY “FABIAN issued by the Department of Agriculture, the total amount of damage and losses in agricultural products and farmlands has already reached P533.54 million affecting 22,516 farmers.
The volume of production loss was recorded at 9,511 metric tons and at least 30,926 hectares of agricultural areas in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region and Western Visayas were damaged.
The DA further reported that affected commodities include rice, corn, high value crops and livestock. These values are still subject to validation.
Meanwhile, based on reports of CAR, Regions I, II, III, CALABARZON and MIMAROPA, there are no reported damage on road networks and bridges that can affect accessibility and mobility of food supplies to date.
The DA assured that in collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) there is still regular movement of agri-fishery commodities in said regions.
The DAR also reported that a total area of 2,398 hectares of rice has been harvested prior to the effect of southeest monsoon enhanced by TY “Fabian” in Regions II, III, and CALABARZON with an equivalent production of 12,649 metric tons amounting to PhP 227.94M.
The DA also assured that assistance will be provided to affected farmers and fisherfolk which include the distribution of a total of 121,119 bags of rice seeds; 14,832 bags of corn seeds, and 2,199 kgs of assorted vegetables in CAR, Regions I, II, III, CALABARZON and MIMAROPA; and Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas.
Other assistance include the distribution of drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry needs; Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program of Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC); and available funds from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) to indemnify affected farmers.
