Agri damage due to Luis, Maymay, Neneng, Habagat hits P1.79B

Damage and losses incurred by the agriculture sector due to combined effects of the southwest monsoon (Habagat) and tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay, and Neneng have reached P1.79 billion, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Saturday.

In its situation bulletin, the DA-Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (DRRM-OpCen) said the recent weather disturbances affected 51,229 farmers and destroyed 41,647 hectares of agricultural land.

Around 44,745 metric tons (MT) of production losses were also recorded.

Damage and losses have been incurred on agricultural and fishery areas in eight regions, including Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, and Western Visayas.

Affected commodities include rice, corn, cassava, high-value crops, fisheries, livestock and poultry, and agri-fisheries infrastructures, machinery, and equipment, according to the DA.

The Agriculture Department said further damage and losses are expected in affected regions as assessment and validation are ongoing.

Th DA cited the following interventions to farmers and fisherfolk affected by the effects of the recent weather disturbances:

• P210.93 million worth of agricultural inputs such as rice, corn, and vegetable seeds
• 3,631 bags of palay-milled rice from the National Food Authority (NFA) issued to the affected Local Government Units (LGUs) of the Regions Ilocos, Cagayan, Central Luzon and MIMAROPA
• P35.67 million worth of indemnification for 5,005 insured affected farmers and fisherfolk through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC)
• Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) with up to P25,000 loanable amount, payable in three years at zero interest

The agency noted that regional field offices in areas affected by the weather systems have also undertaken the following:

• Establishment of DA CAR Help Desks at the Benguet AgriPinoy Trading Center and La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post to monitor the inflow and outflow of vegetables and assist farmers affected by inclement weather by providing information on available government support and interventions
• Posting practical tips from DA-CAR to help farmers prevent or reduce spoilage and wastage of High Value Crops, protect their produce, minimize losses, save costs, and avoid financial difficulties
• Mobilizing logistical support, including the deployment of KADIWA trucks, to facilitate the transport and movement of agricultural commodities and assistance in affected areas
• Close coordination with RDRRMCs, LGUs, and other concerned agencies on the response measures for the Effects of Enhanced Southwest Monsoon and TCs Luis, Maymay, and Neneng
• Ongoing surveillance of commodity prices and market flows to enhance consumer awareness and deter price profiteering

The DA said its DRRM-OpCen will continuously provide updates on the effects of the enhanced Southwest Monsoon and tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay, and Neneng. — VDV, GMA News