THE total amount of damage and losses in agricultural products caused by typhoon Quinta has already reached P2.2 billion.
In its report, the Department of Agriculture said the total volume loss was recorded at 124,462 metric tons (MT) affecting 44,017 farmers and fisherfolk with 86,271 hectares of agricultural areas in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON,MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas and Zamboanga Peninsula.
Affected commodities include rice, corn, high value crops, fisheries, livestock, irrigation and agri-facilities. These values are subject to further validation.
The DA said that the increase in values is attributed to the updated reports in rice, corn and livestock from Central Luzon and Bicol Region.
The DA Regional Field Offices in “QUINTA”-affected regions are thoroughly assessing and validating damage and losses in the agri-fisheries sector, and providing the needed emergency assistance to affected farmers and fisherfolk.
The following assistance from the DA are available to affected farmers which include the Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas; Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program of Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) amounting to PhP 300 million; Indemnification funds from Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) are being fast-tracked to indemnify affected farmers; and a total of 77,379 bags of rice seeds; 9,817 bags of corn seeds, 2,530 kgs of assorted vegetables and 440,000 fruit trees seedlings from Regions I, III, IV-A, IV-B, V, VI, VIII and IX.
