The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday said Typhoon Fabian and the southwest monsoon caused P615.72 million worth of damage in agriculture.
As of July 29, losses on rice production have been the most significant, accounting for 91.6% of the total loss. It was followed by losses in corn, high-value crops, livestock, fisheries, and agri-infrastructure.
Affected regions included the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, and Western Visayas. Despite the heavy rains, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Mimaropa, reported no difficulties in access and mobility.
“There are no reported damage on road networks and bridges that can affect accessibility and mobility of food supplies to date,” the department said.
The DA has also reported that 2,398 hectares of rice had been harvested prior to the heavy rains and saved Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon P227.94 million in potential losses.
Further assessment of damage and coordination with concerned agencies were underway, according to the DA.
The DA said affected farmers and fisherfolk would receive assistance such as seeds, vegetables, drugs (for livestock), loans, and compensation. Dunston Chi Esquivel