Typhoons, habagat inflict nearly ₱2 billion in farm damage
THE aftermath of 'Opong' in San Jacinto, Masbate. (San Jacinto, Masbate MDRRMO)
The combined damage of three successive tropical storms and the southwest monsoon (habagat) on the agriculture sector is now close to ₱2 billion, according to the latest report of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The DA said on Monday, Sept. 29, that 10 regions have reported damage and losses in their key crops, agricultural infrastructure, and machinery amounting to ₱1.95 billion.
Over 67,000 farmers were affected by the onslaught of habagat and tropical storms “Mirasol”, “Nando”, and “Opong”, with damage to 62,178 hectares (ha) of agricultural areas and a production loss of 150,107 metric tons (MT).
The rice sector accounted for bulk of the damage, covering 44,247 ha of rice crops, 13 percent of which were totally damaged. A total of 115,943 MT of rice valued at ₱1.27 billion were estimated to have been lost.
High-value crops saw losses reaching ₱440.70 million from a production loss of 17,384 MT, with damages to 6,838 ha.
Damage in corn reached ₱223.33 million, covering 10,189 ha and output losses of 16,770 MT.
The DA said it is coordinating with concerned agencies and local government units (LGUs) to assess the impact of recent storms to provide immediate assistance to affected farmers and fisherfolk.
It is also monitoring any changes in prices of agricultural commodities in areas under state of calamity.
To help those affected, the DA is set to distribute ₱ 766.42 million worth of agricultural inputs.
The Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) has set an initial amount of ₱237 million for the indemnification of insured affected farmers.
Meanwhile, the National Food Authority (NFA) said it has allocated over twi million bags of rice for issuance to LGUs and relief agencies.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel announced that the DA will be extending the government’s ₱20-per-kilo rice program to Eastern Samar, aiming to assist affected residents.
He said this program will span one month, with a household’s purchase limited to 30 kilos of rice.