P12M in agricultural damages due to Typhoon Fabian – DA
More than P12-million worth of agricultural products were damaged due to the onslaught of Typhoon Fabian in three regions.
In its Bulletin No. 4 on Typhoon Fabian and Habagat, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that the total amount of damage and losses in agricultural products was recorded at P12.38 million as of yesterday noon.
The DA disclosed that there were at least 885 farmers affected while the volume of production loss was recorded at 228 metric tons.
The DA added that there were 906 hectares of agricultural areas in Central Luzon, Calabarzon and Western Visayas that were damaged. Affected commodities include rice, corn, high value crops and livestock. These values are still subject to validation.
In the same bulletin, it reported that as of 4 a.m. yesterday, Typhoon Fabian was estimated based on all available data at 640 km. north northeast of Itbayat, Batanes (outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility).
However, it will continue to enhance the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat and will bring heavy to intense with at times torrential rains over Zambales and Bataan.
The DA, on the other hand, said that the regional field offices have undergone several activities for those affected by the cyclone and Habagat. These include the activation of DA Regional DRRM Operation Centers; continuous issuance of advisories to provinces throughout the Agricultural Program Coordinating Offices and close coordination with the local government unit counterparts, and other Regional DRRM-related offices in monitoring of Typhoon Fabian and Habagat.
Other activities include the monitoring of actual field situation for possible damage incurred in crops, livestock and fisheries; and prepositioning of seeds of rice and corn; drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry.
Meanwhile, the DA provided assistance to affected farmers and fisherfolk which include the distribution of a total of 104,471 bags of rice seeds, 11,390 bags of corn seeds, and 1,949 kgs of assorted vegetables; Quick Response Fund for the rehabilitation of affected areas; and drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry needs.
Other assistance provided include the Survival and Recovery Loan Program of Agricultural Credit Policy Council; and available funds from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp, to indemnify affected farmers.
The DA-DRRM Operations Center will continuously provide updates regarding the weather disturbances.
