Agri damage due to Egay rises to P512.9M

The estimated damage and losses to agriculture due to Super Typhoon Egay has increased as the Department of Agriculture (DA) gathered more data on the extent of the weather disturbance’s onslaught to the crop sector.

In its typhoon situation bulletin as of 3 p.m., July 28, the DA reported that the value of production loss due to Egay has gone up to P512.9 million from the previously reported P62 million.

The amount reflects a volume of production loss of 19,488 metric tons, affecting 58,104 hectares of agricultural land and 51,926 farmers.

“The increase is due to the updated reports from Ilocos Region and MIMAROPA, and additional reports from Cagayan Valley and Western Visayas,” the DA said.

The Agriculture Department said affected commodities include rice, corn, high value crops, livestock and poultry.

The DA said that it is conducting an assessment of damage and losses brought about by the typhoon in the agriculture and fishery sector through its regional field offices.

The agency said it continuously coordinates with concerned national government agencies, local government units, and other disaster risk reduction and management-related offices for the impacts of Egay, as well as available resources for interventions and assistance.

The DA said it made available the following assistance for distribution to affected farmers and fishers:

• Rice, corn and assorted vegetable seeds
• Drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry
• Fingerlings assistance to affected fisherfolk from Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)
• Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) with loanable amount of up to P25,000 payable in three years at zero interest
• Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas

The DA said it will continuously provide updates regarding Egay’s impact on the agriculture sector. — Ted Cordero/RSJ, GMA Integrated News