Super typhoon Egay’s damage to agriculture has now reached P4.47 billion, the Department of Agriculture (DA) disclosed.

Based on DA’s Bulletin No. 12 released Aug. 3 around 5 p.m., the number of affected farmers and fishers has risen to 170,510.

Covering 195,539 hectares of agricultural areas, the DA said the super typhoon has caused 152,041 metric tons of volume loss to agricultural products.

The estimate of the agriculture department covers Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, SOCCSKSARGEN, and Caraga.

“The affected commodities include rice, corn, high value crops, livestock and poultry, and fisheries,” the DA said.

Moreover, it also noted damage incurred in irrigation systems, agricultural and fishery infrastructures, and fishing paraphernalia. 

The DA said it has provided farmers with P65.3 million worth of rice seeds and fertilizers; P94.7 million worth of corn seeds and pesticides; and P39.6 million worth of assorted vegetable seeds.

For fisherfolk, the agriculture department said it distributed P62,000 worth of tilapia, carp, and catfish fingerlings to affected fisherfolk from Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR); P5.9 million worth of fuel assistance for fisherfolks specifically in CAR, Regions I, II, and III; and P1.9 million worth of repair and maintenance assistance for damaged motorized boats.

In addition, the DA said it made available P200 million worth of Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) with loanable amount of up to P25,000 payable in three years at zero interest; and P500 million worth of Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas.