Initial agricultural damage due to Uwan at P142 million — DA

Damage and losses incurred following the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Uwan has so far reached P142.29 million, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Tuesday. 

Uwan, which peaked as a super typhoon, affected 4,631 farmers and 2,482 hectares of land, while the volume of production loss stood at 8,235 metric tons, based on the assessments of DA regional offices in Mimaropa and Bicol.

Affected commodities include rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock. 

However, the DA said that "further damage and losses are expected in affected regions as assessment and validation are ongoing." 

Following the weather disturbance, the department said it has provided assistance to farmers and fisherfolk, including P379.31 million worth of farm inputs, P1.24 million worth of animal feeds, and P771,620,000 worth of bangus and tilapia fingerlings.

The DA also said eligible beneficiaries may avail of a P25,000-loanable amount from the Survival and Recovery Loan Program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council. It is payable in three years at zero interest. 

"The DA, through its RFOs, is continuously working with concerned Local Government Units (LGUs) and other DRRM-related offices to address the impact of 'UWAN' and to utilize available resources for assistance to the affected farmers and fisherfolk," the DA said. 

Further, the DA said monitoring is ongoing for any changes in prices and movement of agricultural commodities. 

Uwan exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on early Tuesday, but it may re-enter on Wednesday evening as it makes landfall over the southwestern coast of Taiwan. — VDV, GMA Integrated News