Agricultural damage left by typhoon "Bising" has reached P168.08 million, affecting close to 5,000 hectares of farm in the Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Thursday, April 22.
More than 6,200 farmers and fisherfolk from the regions were affected, with the total production loss recorded at 9,811 metric tons.
Affected commodities include rice, corn, and various other vegetables and fruits; livestock; fisheries produce and facilities; and agri-infrastructure. The values related to these commodities are still subject to validation, the agency said.
The Agriculture department, however, bared that around P1.08 billion worth of agricultural produce were saved from destruction thanks to early harvesting of crops.
A total of 59,543 metric tons (MTs) of rice were harvested from the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, and Caraga Region before Bising struck.
As for corn, 1,411 metric tons worth P18.20 million were harvested beforehand from the Bicol Region and Eatern Visayas.
The agency said various forms of assistance will be provided to the affected farmers and fisherfolk. This includes the distribution of rice seeds, corn seeds, assorted vegetable seeds, drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry needs.
The survival and recovery (SURE) loan program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) and funds from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) will be made available to indemnify the farmer-typhoon victims.