DA: Luzon quake damage to agri infra now at P263M

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said Tuesday the damage and losses sustained by the agriculture infrastructure due to the magnitude 7 earthquake that jolted northern Luzon last week has reached P263 million.

The amount of damage was recorded in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Ilocos Region.

“These include irrigation systems, farm to market roads, and farm structures,” the DA said.

Meanwhile, it said that “no crop damage has been reported as of this time.”

The DA said its regional field office (RFO) in CAR reported 39 irrigation systems and five farm-to-market roads to be partially damaged or unoperational due to erosion and cracks on concrete structures, which needs clearing and repair to restore their operational status.

Likewise, the agency said that based on the National Irrigation Administration’s (NIA) assessment there are two national irrigation systems (NIS) and 24 communal irrigation systems in CAR and four NIS and 24 CIS in Region I are damaged.

“Moreover, no damage was observed in Pantabangan and Magat dam based on initial assessment,” the DA said.

It added that the values recorded are subject to validation.

Nonetheless, the DA said that transport of food and agricultural commodities are unhampered as some major roads being reopened by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in affected areas.

“The trading volume remained within the normal average volume traded for the month,” it said.

“Furthermore, there are no reported irregularities or drastic changes on the prices and volume of agricultural commodities, especially on vegetables,” it added.

The Agriculture Department said that DA RFO-CAR mobilized two trucks to sell 4.36 metric tons of highland vegetables and other food items at affordable prices to cater the municipalities of Bucay, Penarrubia, Manabo, Danglas, La Paz, Lagayan, Dolores, Deet, and Tayum.

The “Kadiwa” trucks served at least 1,455 households.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-CAR and DA RFO-I also sent “Kadiwa” trucks with 2.00 MT fish and fish products, and other lowland commodities, in coordination with the Agricultural Program Coordinating Office-Abra and Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.

Also, DA RFO-III is conducting an arrangement with DA RFO-CAR for the delivery of at least 50 cavans of rice, it said.

“According to the National Food Authority (NFA), there is still sufficient rice buffer stock inventory for immediate relief operations in CAR, Regions I, II and III,” the DA said.

“NFA ensures that a warehouse is open to cater the needs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), LGUs, institutions and other relief agencies,” it said.

As of July 30, 2022, NFA has issued a total of 145 bags for relief operations, according to the DA.

The agency said the following assistance will be provided to the affected farmers and fishers:

• 126,045 bags of rice seeds, 20,454 bags of corn seeds and 3,379 kilograms of assorted vegetable seeds in Regions CAR, Regions I, II, and III
• 1,000 doses of vitamins, 1,000 doses of antibiotics, 500 doses of dewormers, and 3,000 doses of vaccines available for livestock and poultry in Region II
• Fast-tracking of release of fuel subsidy and Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) to affected regions
• Survival and Recovery (SURE) Program of Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC)
• P100 million of Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas.

— RSJ, GMA News