Heavy rains and strong winds have damaged more than eight hectares of banana plantation in Antipas, Cotabato.

According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), two banana plantations were affected – 8.2 hectares in Barangay Canaan and .16 hectares in Barangay Magsaysay.

Residents also said between 800 to 1,000 banana trees were damaged, which is affecting around 15 farmers.

Data from the Municipal Agriculture Office also showed that the damage reached more than P5 million.

“Based sa assessment, portion-portion lang yung damage. Ibig sabihin, palipat-lipat yung hangin na mabilisan dahil ang natamaan di lang may (ipo-ipo) ang may sira,” MDRRMO-Antipas Head, Jo Verdeblanco, said.

MDRRMO added that the downpour and strong winds may be due to the presence of Typhoon Marce.

“Kasi yung time na yun, papasok na yung low pressure area…tropical depression na Marce,” Verdeblanco added.