Florita-caused damage to crops now worth P19.1 million, DA data shows

Damage to agriculture caused by Severe Tropical Storm Florita (international name: Ma-on) has increased to P19.10 million after authorities took into consideration the impact to the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

Data released by the DA’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (DRRM) showed that the estimated damage and losses was hiked to P19.10 million from the earlier P4.33 billion.

Florita hit some 1,833 hectares of agricultural areas in CAR and the Ilocos Region, causing a production loss of 1,132 metric tons and affecting 1,286 farmers.

“The movement of vegetable products in CAR is not merely affected since no major road networks were distracted by STS Florita,” the DA-DRRM said in a bulletin released Thursday afternoon.

“Thus, there are no changes in the volume traded at the centers in La Trinidad. Supply and prices of basic commodities remain stable in regions affected by Florita,” it added.

Damage costs were broken down to P11.71-million worth of rice, P7.31-million worth of corn, and P81,000-worth of high-value crops.

The DA said affected farmers and fisherfolk can avail of assistance such as seeds; drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry; and fingerlings for fisherfolk.

They can also avail of the survival and recovery (SURE) program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), and the Quick Response Fund (QRF).

Florita has already exited the country’s area of responsibility, but Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) 1 was hoisted over 11 areas on Wednesday morning.

Rains can be expected over the western areas of central and southern Luzon in the next 24 hours due to the Southwest Monsoon or the Habagat. —NB, GMA News