THE damage and losses in irrigation systems, farm-to-market roads, and farm structures caused by the magnitude 7 earthquake that hit the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos Region, and other parts of the country has already reached P263 million.

In its Bulletin No. 5 on the 7.0 magnitude earthquake, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said that its CAR regional office reported 39 irrigation symptoms and five farm-to-market roads to be partially damaged or “unpassable” due to erosion and cracks on concrete structures, which needs clearing and repair to restore their operational status.

Also, based on the National Irrigation Administration’s (NIA) assessment conducted by various regional officers, two national irrigation systems (NIS) and 24 communal irrigation system (CIS) projects in CAR, and four NIS and 24 CIS in Region I are damaged.

The NIA, however, reported that no damage was observed in Pantabangan and Magat dams based on the initial assessment but still subject to “validation”.

Also, the DA said that no crop damage has been reported as of this time.

Meanwhile, the DA disclosed that the transport of food and agricultural commodities is unhampered since the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has already reopened some major roads in affected areas.

The DA added that the trading volume remained within the normal average volume traded for the month. Furthermore, there are no reported irregularities or drastic changes in the prices and volume of agricultural commodities, especially vegetables.

On the other hand, the National Food Authority (NFA) said there is still sufficient rice “buffer stock” inventory for immediate relief operations in CAR, Regions I, II, and III.

The NFA also ensured that a warehouse is open to cater to the needs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), LGUs (local government units), institutions, and other relief agencies.

As of July 30, 2022, NFA has issued a total of 145 bags for relief operations.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Cory Martinez