Agricultural damage and losses caused by typhoon Jolina were reduced to P270.39 million after a validation was made by an affected region, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Friday, Sept. 10.
"Total estimated value was reduced from the previous report of P299.4 million, as per validation by DA-Regional Field Office (RFO) 8 or Eastern Visayas," the agency said.
The devastation translated to 15,450 metric tons of production loss, covering a total of 8,083 hectares of agricultural areas in Calabarzon, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, and Eastern Visayas.
This has affected 11,499 farmers and fisherfolk.
"There was a decrease in values, which was attributed to the initial validation conducted in Eastern Visayas. Based on their initial assessment, DA-RFO 8 estimated a total of 52,608 hectares of rice standing crops to be affected by typhoon Jolina, amounting to P179.57 million. After validation, the damage and losses for rice in the region now amount to P38.1 million, as only 527 hectares of agricultural areas were damaged, affecting 792 farmers," the Agriculture department explained.
Affected commodities include rice, corn, high value crops, livestock, and fisheries.
Meanwhile, DA advised farmers and fishers in areas along the path of Typhoon Kiko to harvest matured crops and utilize post-harvest facilities; secure seed reserves, planting materials and other farm inputs, as well as feed and water for livestock to prevent possible production loss due to the typhoon.
They were also told to relocate animals, farm machineries, and equipment to higher ground; and clear drainage in irrigation and rice paddies from obstructions to prevent flooding.
Interventions and assistance have been in place to help the affected farmers and fisherfolk recover from the losses caused by typhoon Jolina and possible damage that typhoon Kiko may bring.
Rice, corn, various vegetable seeds, drugs, and biologics for livestock and poultry needs will be made available for the affected sector.
They will also be given access to Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas; Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program of Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC); and available funds from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) to indemnify affected farmers.