(FILE) Vegetables from Benguet province are sold in the public market of Baguio City in this photo taken on March 28. —ALLAN MACATUNO
MANILA, Philippines — The supply of highland vegetables is sufficient despite the agricultural damage due to heavy rains triggered by the southwest monsoon or “habagat” in Ifugao, the government said.
READ: Flash floods, mudslides sweep through Ifugao town
The Department of Agriculture made the assurance on Sunday after they conducted a damage assessment in the agri-fishery sector over the weekend.
“Despite heavy rains last week, which caused flash floods, mudslides, and erosion in the province of Ifugao, the Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) has assured that there is enough supply of highland vegetables based on daily consumption data,” the agency said in a statement.
READ: DSWD assures availability, delivery of relief goods to flood, landslide-stricken Ifugao villages
The DA likewise guaranteed affected farmers that preparations are currently underway for the distribution of assistance such as rice, corn, and assorted vegetable seeds and drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry.
The department is also getting ready to provide financial assistance under the Survival and Recovery Program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council, indemnity from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation’s available funds, and cash support from the Quick Response Fund for the rehabilitation of affected areas.
As of July 9, 6 p.m., the DA recorded that agricultural damage and losses reached P14.6 million in Ifugao.
READ: Agri damages in Ifugao flash floods reach P14.6 million