MORE than P49 million worth of agricultural products and farmlands were damaged by Tropical Storm Paeng in MIMAROPA, Bicol and Western Visayas Region.

In its Bulletin No. 4 on TS “PAENG,” the Department of Agriculture(DA) reported that the total damage was recorded at P49.54 million wherein 762 farmers were affected, with volume of production loss at 2,543 metric tons (MT) and 1,949 hectares of agricultural areas.

Affected commodities include rice, high value crops and fisheries. These values are subject to validation.

The DA , however, said that through its Regional Field Offices (RFOs), it continues to conduct assessment of damage and losses brought by “PAENG” in the agri-fisheries sector.

The DA further continuously coordinates with concerned national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs) and other Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM)-related offices for the impact of the tropical cyclones, as well as available resources for interventions and assistance.

The DA disclosed that affected farmers will be provided with assistance with the distribution of rice, corn and assorted vegetable seeds and drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), on the other hand, will distribute fingerlings and assistance to affected fisherfolk.

The affected farmers and fishers can also avail of the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) with loanable amount of up to PhP 25,000 payable in three years at zero interest; and Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Cory Martinez