Florita leaves at least P3-M damage to Ilocos Norte agriculture

Initial damage and losses to agriculture brought about by Severe Tropical Storm Florita (international name: Ma-on) in Ilocos Norte was estimated at P3.01 million as of Wednesday, August 24, 2022.

In an advisory, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said the initial assessment covers 628 hectares of agricultural areas with a production volume loss of 220 metric tons, affecting some 310 farmers.

Most affected by Florita's onslaught were rice and high-value crops, with additional damage and losses expected in other storm-hit areas.

Damage cost is broken down into P2.93 million worth of losses due to rice crop destruction covering 626 hectares, which translates to 217 metric tons of grain. 

High-value crops — particularly assorted vegetables — recorded P81,000 in damage and losses after two hectares were hit, causing a volume loss of 3 metric tons.

According to the DA, affected farmers and fishers can seek assistance for rice, corn, and assorted vegetable seeds; drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry; fingerlings and assistance for affected fisherfolk;

They can also appeal for financing under the survival and recovery (SURE) program and the quick response fund (QRF).

Meanwhile, at a separate Palace briefing, DA Undersecretary Kristine Evangelista said a spike in the prices of vegetables in Metro Manila is not expected at this point.

"'Yung gulay natin dito sa Metro Manila, hindi natin inaasahan na gagalaw ang presyo dahil doon sa bagyo at sa effects sa Ilocos Norte at this point," Evangelista said.

(The vegetables in Metro Manila, we don't expect that their prices would increase because of the effects of Florita in Ilocos Norte at this point.)

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. —LBG/RSJ, GMA News