FILE PHOTO: The Baculod overflow bridge in the City of Ilagan, Isabela province, is rendered impassable on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, as water level in Pinacanauan River rises due to heavy rain dumped by Severe Tropical Storm Florita (international name” Ma-on). —VILLAMOR VISAYA JR.
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) reported Wednesday that Severe Tropical Storm Florita’s (international name: Ma-on) devastation to agriculture has so far reached at least P3 million.
According to the DA, the amount translates to a total volume loss of 220 metric tons (MT) of agricultural products, affecting a total of 310 farmers and 628 hectares of agricultural land as of August 24.
The most damaged commodity was rice crops, with a total volume loss of 217 MT worth P2.93 million, the agency noted.
High-value crops, particularly assorted vegetables, were also hit with a volume loss of 3 MT worth P81,000, it added.
The DA gave assurance that they will provide the following assistance to affected farmers and fishers:
- Rice, corn, and vegetable seeds
- Drugs and biotics for livestock and poultry
- Fingerlings and assistance to affected fisherfolk from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
- Survival and Recovery (SURE) program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council
- Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas
According to the latest advisory of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), Florita is now outside the Philippine area of responsibility.
Florita mostly pummeled areas in Northern Luzon, distressing more than 1,300 families.
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