Cagayan farmers race to save crops as Mawar nears

Several farmers in Cagayan were forced to harvest their crops early as super typhoon Mawar neared the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

The Office of the Provincial Agriculture has recommended farmers in several towns of Cagayan to already harvest their crops, according to Jasmin Gabriel-Galban’s GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon report, which aired on “24 Oras” on Thursday.

At least 10 areas have been identified  as areas of concern by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) including Sta. Ana, Aparri, Gonzaga, Sta. Teresita, Buguey, Ballesteros, Abulug, Pamplona, Sanchez Mira, and Claveria.

Meanwhile, some farmers in Isabela also had to harvest their crops early rather than risk being destroyed by the typhoon.

“Masisira po, medyo [maraming aanihin] kaya inaapura na namin (It will be destroyed, and there's a lot to harvest, so we're rushing),” said farmer Roel Salon.

Meanwhile, authorities are swiftly transporting food packs to the residents that will be possibly affected by the typhoon in Batanes.

At least 6,000 food packs were targeted to be delivered in the towns of Basco, Sabtang, Mahatva, Ivana, Itbayat, and Uyugan.

Super typhoon Mawar is expected to enter PAR on Friday evening or Saturday morning, according to state weather bureau PAGASA. —Richa Noriega/ VAL, GMA Integrated News