Initial assessment of the Department of Agriculture (DA) showed that Severe Tropical Storm Maring has destroyed P29.40 million worth of agricultural in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
According to the DA’s data released on Tuesday afternoon, “Maring” affected 1,128 farmers, with a volume of production loss at 1,713 metric tons (MT) and damaged 1,225 hectares of agricultural areas.
The affected commodities in the region include corn and high-value crops.
Based on the combined data of CAR and Regions 1 (Ilocos), 2 (Cagayan Valley), 3 (Central Luzon), 4-A (Calabarzon), 4-B (Mimaropa, 6 (Western Visayas), and 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), the area of standing crops that may be affected by "Maring" totals to 1,469,985 hectares or 77.98 percent of the national standing crops for rice and 298,523 hectares or 57.98 percent of the national standing crops for corn.
The DA, through its regional field offices, is further assessing and validating the damage and losses brought by “Maring” in the agri-fisheries sector.
The agency said it also maintains close coordination with concerned government offices, local government units, and other Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM)-related offices to further assess the impact of "Maring”, as well as available resources for interventions and assistance.
The DA said it has enough Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas, and distribution of rice, corn and assorted vegetable seeds will be implemented to affected regions, while drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry needs will also be provided for those who need assistance.
Other monetary aid will be addressed through the DA's Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC). There are also available funds from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) to indemnify affected farmers.
"Maring" is already out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and its center was estimated at 505 kilometers west of Calayan, Cagayan, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.