Agri losses from Uwan reach P188.27M — DA

The devastation wrought by Super Typhoon Uwan has so far caused P188.27 million in agricultural losses in the country based on initial estimates, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported on Wednesday.

According to its bulletin, the DA said the crop damage estimate was based on reports from some of the affected provinces, including Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Quezon, Marinduque, Camarines Sur, Albay, Northern Samar, and Western Samar.

Uwan has affected 6,580 farmers and 3,905 hectares of crops in these areas, the DA said.

The agency reported that the majority of the agricultural losses were in rice, amounting to 9,017 metric tons (MT).

Other agricultural commodities affected include corn (1,235 MT), cassava (42 MT), and other high-value crops (546 MT).

The DA also recorded P281,000 worth of animal losses, including chickens, swine, cattle, carabaos, goats, and horses in the 13 listed provinces.

Meanwhile, the DA’s regional field offices are coordinating with local government units (LGUs) and other concerned agencies to assist affected farmers and fisherfolk.

Among the hardest-hit regions was Cagayan Valley, but the DA has yet to release crop damage estimates from the area.

Its Regional Field Office (RFO) II said it has distributed 927 bags of corn seed to 896 farmers in the towns of Allacapan, Gattaran, and Rizal in Cagayan province.

“However, due to extensive flooding in several areas that makes validation challenging, DA RFO II has yet to submit their damage and losses reports,” the DA said.

The agency also assured that the following assistance is available for affected farmers and fisherfolk:

• P328.38 million worth of farm inputs (rice, corn, and high-value crops);
• P1.24 million worth of animal feeds and supplements for livestock and poultry;
• P771,620 worth of bangus and tilapia fingerlings;
• 2.57 million bags of rice stocks from the National Food Authority for issuance to LGUs and other relief agencies;
• Quick Response Fund for rehabilitation and recovery of affected areas;
• Up to P25,000 loanable amount from the Survival and Recovery Loan Program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council, payable in three years at zero interest; and
• Indemnification of insured farmers through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation.

Uwan exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Tuesday, but parts of Northern Luzon continued to experience residual rains as of Wednesday.—MCG, GMA Integrated News