MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has recorded a total of P37.68 million worth of agricultural damages from the recent floods that hit several areas in the country.
The floods in Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, Zamboanga del Sur, and the flood-induced mudslide in Ifugao have collectively affected at least 1,559 Filipino farmers and destroyed 882 metric tons of crops in 1,770 hectares of agricultural land, according to DA’s report on Friday.
READ: Flooding displaces 1,000 families in 3 Mindanao provinces
The department said the total losses for rice were valued at P25.4 million, and P10.11 million for high-value crops.
For livestock and poultry, the damages amounted to P2.16 million and P5,000 for agriculture facilities.
The DA clarified, however, that all said figures are subject to validation.
The regional field offices of the DA are also currently assessing the damages and losses caused by the floods in the agri-fishery industry.
“The DA continuously coordinates with concerned national government agencies, local government units, and other disaster risk reduction and management-related offices for the impact of the phenomenon, as well as available resources for interventions and assistance,” it further noted.
The department also laid out the following plans to provide ample assistance for the affected farmers and fisherfolk:
- Rice, corn, and assorted vegetable seeds
- Drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry
- Survival and Recovery Program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council
- Quick Response Fund for the rehabilitation of affected areas
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