Farmers are still reeling from the effects of Typhoon Egay with the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera estimating the region’s agricultural loss at P298,916,236.87.
In its Aug. 3 report, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management-Operation Center stated a total of 8,812 farmers and fisherfolk were affected, 3,474 hectares of farmlands were totally damaged, and 4,170.45 hectares were partially damaged.
This resulted in a production loss of 55,837.17 metric tons or P286.4M for crops; P1.4 million damage for livestock and poultry; and damaged facilities at P11.1M.
Apayao submitted the highest loss at P216M with 3,990 affected farmers followed by Abra with P45M affecting 2,873 farmers and fisherfolks, Kalinga with P16.8M affecting 699 farmers, and Ifugao with P3M, where farmers in these areas are mostly engaged in rice and corn production.
Benguet recorded a total loss of P5.1M affecting 798 farmers mostly in its high value crops while Mountain Province reported P1.7M damage affecting 452 farmers engaged in rice, corn and high value crops.
Also affected are the facilities of the DA regional office with P11M in damage.
DRRM focal person Lito Mocati said there is an ongoing damage assessment in the various provinces where they have deployed field staff to conduct joint validation with the local government units.
Once validated, the regional report will be forwarded to the central office for the proper interventions to be given to the farmers and fisherfolk.
The DA central office operation center stated there are available interventions to be distributed to affected farmers and fishers in different regions, including Cordillera.
These are P65.3M worth of rice seeds and fertilizers; P94.7M worth of corn seeds and pesticides; P39.6M worth of assorted vegetable seeds; P62,000 worth of tilapia, carp, and catfish fingerlings to affected fisherfolk from Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; P5.9M worth of fuel assistance for fisherfolks; P1.9M worth of repair and maintenance for damaged motorized boats; P200M worth of Survival and Recovery loan program from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council with loanable amount of up to P25,000 payable in three years at zero interest; and P500M worth of quick response fund for the rehabilitation of affected areas. – Ofelia C. Empian
