AT least P44.2 million-worth of irrigation systems, farm to market roads, and farm structures have been damaged due to the Magnitude 7 earthquake that hit the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos Region and other parts of the country last Wednesday morning.

In its Bulletin No. 4 on the 7.0 Magnitude Earthquake, the Department of Agriculture reported that the Upper Chico Ring Irrigation System (RIS) Main Canal in Tabuk, Kalinga and four national irrigation systems (NIS) and two communal irrigation systems (CIS) were affected, based on the assessment conducted by the National Irrigation Administration’s regional officers.

The NIA, on the other hand, reported that no damage was observed in Pantabangan and Magat dam based on initial assessment. These values are subject to validation.

Meanwhile, the DA disclosed that the delivery of highland vegetable in Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC), La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post, and private trading areas in La Trinidad, Benguet is gradually increasing as of July 29, 2022.

The DA said that July 28, 2022, at least 1,534 metric tons of vegetables were traded in said trading centers. The volume of the vegetables delivered was lower by 20% or 379 metric ton as compared to the volume traded on July 27, 2022, when the earthquake struck.

The DA that the reduction can be attributed to farmers delaying their harvest as they may be anticipating lesser traders at the centers as an aftermath of the quake or landslides on the roads linking production areas to major roads, which caused partial closure to traffic.

However, on July 29, there is an increase of 505 metric ton inflow of highland vegetable supply traded at BAPTC and other trading centers within La Trinidad.

The DA stressed that with some major roads being reopened by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in affected areas, transport of food and agricultural commodities are unhampered. It further reported that there is no increase in prices of agri-fishery commodities.

The DA further said that its regional field office in CAR has mobilized two units of KADIWA trucks loaded with 2.66 metric tons of assorted highland vegetables, dried fish and other basic food items to municipalities in the province of Abra, specifically the municipalities of San Quintin, Pidigan, Bangued, Tayum, Dolores, Lagangilang, and Bucay.

According to the National Food Authority, there is still sufficient rice bufferstock inventory for immediate relief operations in CAR, Regions I, II and III.

The NFA ensured that a warehouse is open to cater the needs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), LGUs, institutions and other relief agencies. To date, NFA has issued a total of 45 bags to Red Cross, and 100 bags to the LGU unit of Benguet for relief operations.

The DA also assured assistance will be provided to the affected farmers and fishers.

Among these assistance include the distribution of 126,045 bags of rice seeds, 20,454 bags of corn seeds and 3,379 kilograms of assorted vegetable seeds in Regions CAR, Regions I, II, and III; and 1,000 doses of vitamins, 1,000 doses of antibiotics, 500 doses of dewormers, and 3,000 doses of vaccines available for livestock and poultry in Region II.

The DA added that it will also fast-track the release of fuel subsidy and Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) to affected regions; provide Survival and Recovery (SURE) Program of Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC); and PhP 100 million of Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas.