DA looks into price freeze implementation on agri products in 'Odette'-hit areas
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is eyeing to push for the price freeze implementation on agriculture products in areas devastated by typhoon "Odette."
In an interview over PTV's Laging Handa, DA Assistant Secretary Kristine Evangelista said their personnel on the regions are now checking the prices and availability of basic commodities.
"That is something that we'll definitely look into, tinamaan po sila ng kalamidad more often than not kasunod po niyan ay price freeze (That is something that we'll look into, they got hit by a calamity usually the next step is price freeze implementation)," Evangelista said.
Evangelista said hey would give feedback regarding the price freeze of agricultural products within the week and look into the supply of commodities in provinces such as Cagayan de Oro, Siargao, and Leyte, among other "Odette"-affected areas.
She reiterated that food security and stability are currently the department's focus, as well as assisting in areas hit by "Odette."
As of 4 p.m. today, Dec. 19, the DA recorded damage and losses totaling P176.4 million in CALABARZON, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, and Caraga Region, affecting 3,664 farmers and fishers, leading to production losses of 10,229 metric tons (MT) and 10,830 hectares of agricultural areas.
Rice, corn, high-value crops, and fisheries are among the commodities that have been impacted.
"Prior to the typhoon, a total area of 11,454 hectares of rice have been harvested from Regions Mimaropa, VI, VIII, IX, XI, and XIII with an equivalent production of 34,433 metric tons amounting to P615.53M. As for corn, a total of 2,452 hectares have been harvested from Region IV-A, Mimaropa, VIII, IX, XI, and XIII, with an equivalent production of 6,965 metric tons amounting to P82.55 million," the statement said.
The DA currently assesses the damage and losses caused by "Odette" in the agri-fisheries industry through its Regional Field Offices (RFOs). Additional information regarding the typhoon's impact in the areas affected will also be released, as per the statement.