MORE than P8-million worth of agricultural products have been damaged by the combined onslaught of Tropical Depressions “Nika” and “Ofel” and the Southwest monsoon that resulted in continuous heavy rain causing flash floods and floodings in several regions of the country.
In its Bulletin No. 4 on the low pressure area and Tropical depressions, Nika and Ofel, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that the damage and losses have been reported in rice, corn and high value crops amounting to a total of P8.12-million.
The said weather disturbances have affected at least 530 farmers with 535 hectares of agricultural areas affected and 409 metric tons of volume loss.
The DA said that its Regional Field offices in the affected regions are thoroughly assessing the damage and losses in crops, livestock and fisheries, including farm infrastructures and buildings. They also provided the needed emergency assistance to affected farmers and fisherfolk.
To help the farmers and fisherfolk recover from the losses they incurred, the DA has activited its Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of areas affected by the tropical cyclone; while a total of 55,555 bags of rice seeds; 8,051 bags of corn seeds, and 1,169 kgs of vegetables were distributed to the farmers from Regions III, IV-A, IV-B, V, VI, VII, and VIII.
The DA will also implement the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Program of Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC); and funds from Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) will be available to indemnify affected farmers.
The DA-DRRM Operations Center, on the other hand, will continuously provide updates regarding TD “OFEL”.
