Agri damage due to recent typhoons, habagat reaches over P2.7B

Inquirer files

MANILA, Philippines — The damage brought by the southwest monsoon or habagat and recent typhoons to the country’s agriculture sector has reached over P2.7 billion, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

In its latest situational report issued on Tuesday, NDRRMC said the combined effects of habagat, typhoon Carina, and tropical depression Butchoy have so far affected 57,388 farmers or fisherfolk nationwide.

READ: NDRRMC: 2 more deaths due to Butchoy, Carina, monsoon reported

It added that the damage covers about 52,221 hectares of rice, corn, and high-value crops.

In a separate statement, the Department of Agriculture said it will provide the following assistance to affected farmers and fisherfolk:

• 64,404 bags of rice and 45,307 bags of corn seeds worth P301.72 million;
• 1,300 kgs, 63,124 packs, and 370 cans of vegetable seeds worth  P17.63 million;
• P6.31 million worth of biocontrol measures;
• Fingerlings, fishing gear, and paraphernalia from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources;
• Survival and Recovery Loan Program from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council with a loanable amount of up to P25,000 payable in three years at zero interest;
• Quick Response Fund for the rehabilitation of affected areas; and
• Available funds from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation to indemnify affected farmers.

Meanwhile, NDRRMC said that the number of people affected by the recent weather disturbances is now at 6,343,626.

It added that the death toll remained at 48—14 were confirmed dead, while the 34 others are still up for validation.

To aid affected residents and farmers, NDRRMC said the government had already given out P507,190,188 worth of assistance.